Miniature Interferometer for Multi-Channel Fiber Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interferometric devices are inadequate for inspecting large multi-channel fiber optic connectors due to their size and form factor, as they cannot cover all fibers simultaneously and require manual, time-consuming operation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight miniature interferometric microscope with a multi-axis positioning mechanism that automatically aligns and inspects the end faces of multi-channel fiber optic connectors, using a light source, beam splitter, lenses, and digital image capture to obtain interferometric patterns for precise measurement and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard interferometer is used to inspect fiber optic connectors, then the inspection can be performed with existing equipment, but the device cannot cover all fibers simultaneously due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the connector face into multiple regions and sequentially inspects each region by moving the interferometer across the connector surface. This segmentation allows the standard-sized interferometer to inspect all fibers in a multi-channel connector that would otherwise be too large to fit in a single field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion mechanism that dynamically positions the interferometer at different locations on the connector face during inspection. This dynamic movement enables the interferometer to scan across multiple fibers sequentially, transforming a static single-point inspection into a dynamic multi-point inspection capability.
2Productivity
If manual positioning mechanisms are used to inspect individual fibers, then the inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and requires continuous user involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system performs self-positioning and self-inspection through automated control. The motion mechanism automatically moves the interferometer to the correct positions on the connector face without requiring manual user intervention, and the system autonomously captures and analyzes interference patterns for each fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated motion mechanism controlled by a computer system. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous user involvement in positioning and inspection operations, significantly improving productivity while maintaining precision.
3Quantity of substance
If a large field of view is used to cover all fibers simultaneously, then all fibers can be inspected at once, but the device becomes too large and heavy for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large field of view to capture all fibers at once, the system segments the inspection into multiple smaller fields of view. The interferometer inspects each fiber individually using its standard-sized field of view, moving to the next fiber position between inspections. This segmentation allows the device to remain compact and lightweight while still inspecting all fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic movement of the interferometer across the connector face to achieve comprehensive inspection. Rather than relying on a static large field of view, the motion mechanism dynamically repositions the interferometer to access different fibers, enabling complete inspection with a compact, lightweight device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interferometric devices are used, then the inspection can be performed with established equipment, but the device is not portable and cannot be used in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential interferometric inspection function from the traditional large-scale device and concentrates it into a compact, portable unit. By removing unnecessary components and using a miniaturized interferometer, the system achieves portability while maintaining the core inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for the compact size of the portable device through dynamic movement of the interferometer across the connector face. This motion capability allows the small device to perform inspection functions that would traditionally require larger equipment, achieving both portability and comprehensive inspection capability.
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 high-precision, automatic interferometric inspection of multiple fiber optic termini, detecting defects and contaminants, and reconstructing 3D surface geometry, facilitating efficient inspection in limited spaces with improved accuracy and reduced user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes an interferometric microscope or interferometer... obtaining a series of interference patterns for the fiber optic terminus surface
Implementation Method 2
a digital image capture device (e.g., a digital camera) for capturing interferometric patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight miniature interferometric device for interferometric inspection of circular multi-channel fiber optic connectors that includes the interferometric microscope, holding fixture, multi-axis motion mechanism and computing device. The system performs an interferometric inspection of multi-channel fiber optic connector. The method of interferometric inspection provides automatic scan of the multi-channel fiber optic connector, reconstructing 3D surfaces of fiber optic termini of the connector and analyzing its parameters. The system connects to the connector by holding fixture and performs an interferometric inspection of each fiber optic terminus of the connector by means of multi-axis motion mechanism.