Optical Fiber Interferometer Scaling Factor Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-optic interferometers used for magnetic field and electric current measurements are sensitive to errors and variations in the scaling factor, which affects the accuracy and linearity of the sensor response, and are prone to defects such as misalignment and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic interferometer system that includes a signal-processing system capable of measuring variations in the power contrast of the interferometric beam to deduce changes in the scaling factor, and can correct the scaling factor in real time to maintain measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber-optic interferometer is used for magnetic field and electric current measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but scaling factor errors and measurement precision deteriorate due to sensitivity to errors and variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal-processing system continuously monitors the interferometric beam power contrast to detect scaling factor variations, and automatically adjusts the measurement to compensate for these variations. This closed-loop approach maintains measurement accuracy despite environmental and instrumental changes affecting the scaling factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own interferometric beam to self-diagnose scaling factor changes by measuring power contrast variations. The scaling factor error is detected and corrected using the beam's own characteristics, eliminating the need for external calibration references and enabling real-time self-compensation.
2Productivity
If fiber-optic interferometer operates in real-time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental and instrumental defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by continuously monitoring and correcting scaling factor variations in real-time. The signal-processing system operates continuously to track power contrast changes and apply compensation, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout uninterrupted operation despite environmental fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from the power contrast measurement enables continuous compensation of scaling factor errors. The system detects and corrects deviations as they occur, maintaining measurement accuracy during continuous operation without requiring periodic interruptions for calibration.
3Measurement precision
If scaling factor correction is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional signal-processing system
Solution Approach 1:
The signal-processing system performs multiple functions: it measures the interferometric beam power contrast, detects scaling factor variations, and applies compensation corrections. By consolidating these functions into a single system, the patent avoids the need for separate calibration devices and external references, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own beam to perform self-calibration and self-correction of scaling factor errors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and complex multi-device setups, achieving high measurement precision while minimizing additional 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
The system enables real-time correction of scaling factor errors, improving the accuracy of magnetic field and electric current measurements to better than 0.1% or 0.01%, while minimizing the impact of environmental and instrumental defects.
Implementation Method 1
the detection optical fiber having a Verdet constant capable of inducing a non-reciprocal magneto-optic effect Faraday effect
Implementation Method 2
a differential phase modulator, the fiber-optic system comprising a detection optical fiber... the two polarized light waves being modulated by the differential phase modulator
Implementation Method 3
the fiber-optic interferometer being capable of detecting a phase difference of an interferometric beam formed by interferences between two polarized light waves
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical fiber interferometer comprising a light source (20), a differential phase modulator (16), a signal-processing system (900), a sensing optical fiber (73) having a Verdet constant capable of inducing a non-reciprocal magneto-optic Faraday effect, the interferometer being able to detect a difference in phase of an interferometric beam (300) formed by interference between two polarized light waves (111, 112) that have simultaneously travelled along the optical fiber (73) along a closed optical path, and to deduce therefrom, by means of dividing the phase difference by a scale factor, a value of a magnetic field or a value of an electric current flowing in an electric conductor (120). According to the invention, the signal-processing system (900) is suitable for measuring a variation in power contrast of one portion of the interferometric beam and to deduce, from the variation in contrast, a measurement of variation of the scale factor.