Fiber Optic Inspection Microscope With Integral Optical Power Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic inspection microscopes require separate handling and testing for optical power measurement, which can lead to increased handling and contamination risks, as well as additional steps in processes like inspecting optical fiber patch panels and new equipment deployments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of optical power measurement into the same optical path using a beamsplitter to direct optical energy from the fiber optic connector to a photodetector, allowing for simultaneous imaging and power measurement without the need for a secondary port, utilizing existing or additional beamsplitters and optical power measurement circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical power meter is used in the same package but with a separate test port, then optical power measurement capability is provided, but handling steps and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical power measurement function with the microscope inspection function by integrating a photodetector into the microscope's optical path. The beamsplitter directs a portion of the light from the fiber optic connector to the photodetector, allowing both imaging and power measurement to be performed through a single port without requiring separate handling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single port: visual inspection of the connector end face and optical power measurement. The beamsplitter enables the system to simultaneously serve both inspection and power measurement purposes, eliminating the need for separate test ports and reducing handling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate test port for optical power measurement is provided, then optical power measurement is enabled, but testing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical power measurement with the microscope inspection port by using a beamsplitter to direct light to a photodetector. This integration allows both functions to be performed simultaneously through a single port, eliminating the need for sequential testing and reducing overall testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous performance of both inspection and power measurement functions through the same port. The beamsplitter allows the optical path to be continuously utilized for both purposes without requiring the user to switch ports or perform separate handling steps, thereby maintaining continuous useful action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are used for inspection and power measurement, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection and power measurement functions into a single port configuration. The beamsplitter is integrated into the optical path between the illumination source and the objective lens, allowing both functions to share the same port without requiring additional external connections or complex multi-port interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamsplitter acts as an intermediary optical element that enables both inspection and power measurement functions to coexist in a single port. It selectively directs light to either the objective lens for inspection or to the photodetector for power measurement, mediating between the two functions without requiring separate ports.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces handling and testing time, minimizing the risk of contamination and streamlining maintenance and installation processes by providing a single-port solution for both imaging and power measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the first beamsplitter is in a first optical path between the objective lens, the image detector and the optical detector, wherein the first beamsplitter allows passage of an optical image to the image detector, wherein the first beamsplitter directs optical energy to the optical detector
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector, wherein the first beamsplitter directs optical energy to the optical detector
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic inspection microscope including an objective lens, an optical detector, an image detector, an illumination source, and first and second beamsplitters, wherein the first beamsplitter is in a first optical path between the objective lens, the image detector and the optical detector, wherein the first beamsplitter allows passage of an optical image to the image detector, wherein the first beamsplitter directs optical energy to the optical detector, wherein the second beamsplitter is in a second optical path between the illumination source and the objective lens, and wherein the second beamsplitter directs light from the illumination source to the objective lens.