Optical Fiber Identifier Wavelength Detection via Lens Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber identifiers (OFIs) are unable to detect the wavelength of optical signals, which is essential for identifying signals in passive optical networks, such as GPON, EPON, and XGS-PON, due to their limited capability of detecting only signal intensity, direction, and modulation frequency.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber identifier apparatus featuring a housing with a pathway that forms a bend in the optical fiber, utilizing at least two cylindrical or rod lenses positioned parallel to each other, with photo detector devices configured to receive light via these lenses and display wavelength measurements, allowing for high-sensitivity, multi-wavelength signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional OFI detects only signal intensity, direction and modulation frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is insufficient for wavelength detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength-to-frequency conversion mechanism as an intermediary. A wavelength-selective component (such as a grating or filter) converts the optical wavelength into an electrical frequency signal that can be detected by existing electronic detection circuits. This mediator enables wavelength measurement without requiring complex direct optical detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical wavelength detection with electronic frequency detection. By converting the optical domain measurement into an electronic domain measurement using wavelength-to-frequency conversion, the system substitutes a complex optical detection mechanism with a simpler electronic detection system that can measure frequency with high precision.
2Loss of energy
If Bend Insensitive Fiber is used to prevent light loss, then the fiber can be bent further with less light escaping, but a larger bend radius is required to achieve measurable light leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable bend radius mechanism. The fiber bending component can be adjusted to different bend radii based on the fiber type being tested. For BIF, the system uses larger bend radii to achieve sufficient light leakage, while for standard fiber, smaller bend radii are used. This dynamic adjustment allows the same device to accommodate different fiber types with their specific bending characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bend radius parameter to optimize light leakage for different fiber types. By adjusting the bend radius as a variable parameter, the system can achieve measurable light leakage from BIF (which requires larger radii) while maintaining the ability to detect standard fiber (which uses smaller radii). This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between preventing light loss and achieving measurable leakage.
3Measurement precision
If the bend radius is made small to allow sufficient light escape, then measurable light leakage is achieved, but the fiber bending mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fiber handling function into separate modular components. The fiber bending mechanism is separated from the detection system, allowing the bending component to be optimized for creating controlled bends while the detection system remains independent. This segmentation enables sensitive light leakage detection without requiring the entire device to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber bending component is designed to be self-adjusting or automatically configured based on the fiber type detected or selected. The system can self-determine the appropriate bend radius without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving sensitive light leakage detection with reduced mechanical complexity.
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
Enables accurate identification of optical fibers by detecting wavelength, intensity, direction, and modulation frequency, enhancing the capability to identify various PON formats without disrupting communications, and accommodating different fiber types through adjustable bend radii.
Implementation Method 1
At least two cylindrical or rod lenses are positioned adjacent to one another. Each lens defines an optical axis extended through the bend of the optical fiber and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective lens.
Implementation Method 2
One or more photo detector devices is positioned to receive a beam of light from the optical fiber via the one or more lenses.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber identifier apparatus and system are provided. The apparatus includes a housing forming a pathway at which an optical fiber is positionable. The housing forms a tip end that forms a bend of the optical fiber at the pathway. At least two lenses are positioned parallel to one another. Each lens defines an optical axis extended through the bend of the optical fiber and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective lens. A photo detector device is positioned to receive a beam of light from the optical fiber via the one or more lenses.