Interrogation Optical Fiber Linear Absorption for Sensor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber sensor systems face challenges in precision, cost, and complexity due to the need for precise optical alignment and additional components, particularly with bulk optic filters and optical fiber couplers, which affect manufacturing costs and environmental stability.
Innovation Solution
An optical characteristic measuring device using an interrogation optical fiber with a linear light absorption characteristic, allowing for simplified configuration and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex optical alignment and additional components, while maintaining reliability and stability through adjustable light absorption characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bulk optic filters and optical fiber couplers are used in conventional optical fiber sensor systems, then optical characteristic measurement can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for precise optical alignment and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex optical alignment and additional components (bulk optic filters, optical fiber couplers) from the sensor system. By using only optical fiber elements with inherent optical characteristics, the system achieves measurement functionality without requiring precise alignment procedures or multiple specialized components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of optical filtering, coupling, and sensing into a single integrated optical fiber element. The optical fiber itself serves multiple purposes: it transmits light, provides wavelength-selective filtering through its inherent optical characteristics, and enables sensing without requiring separate bulk optic filters or couplers, thereby simplifying the overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If bulk optic filters and optical fiber couplers are used in conventional optical fiber sensor systems, then optical characteristic measurement can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive components such as bulk optic filters and optical fiber couplers from the system. By relying solely on the inherent optical characteristics of standard optical fiber elements, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while still achieving accurate optical characteristic measurement, making the system more cost-effective to produce
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, inexpensive optical fiber elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced, rather than using expensive, precision-critical components like bulk optic filters. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing while maintaining sufficient measurement performance through the inherent properties of the optical fiber
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical fiber sensor systems use additional components for optical alignment, then measurement can be performed, but stability against environmental variations such as temperature and vibration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates additional components that require precise optical alignment, which are highly sensitive to environmental variations. By using only optical fiber elements with inherent stable optical characteristics, the system achieves measurement functionality while being more resistant to temperature and vibration effects, thereby improving overall environmental stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inherent optical characteristics of optical fiber elements, which have stable parameters with respect to environmental variations. By relying on these stable inherent properties rather than alignment-dependent components, the system maintains consistent measurement performance across different environmental conditions, improving stability against temperature and vibration
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 solution enhances the reliability and reproducibility of optical fiber sensor systems by simplifying the configuration, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving stability against environmental variations such as temperature and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
an interrogation optical fiber which has a linear light absorption characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an optical characteristic measurement system including at least: a light source unit which outputs an input beam of a specific wavelength; a sensing unit which generates a signal beam by using a sensor whose optical characteristic is affected by an external environment condition; and a measuring unit which derives varied physical amount by using the signal beam delivered from the sensing unit, wherein the measuring unit includes: an optical coupler which distributes the signal beam into the two optical paths; and an interrogation optical fiber which is arranged on one of the paths on which the signal beam travels. The interrogation optical fiber has a linear light absorption characteristic in the specific wavelength range, and the light intensity of the signal beam is measured to detect a wavelength of the signal beam delivered from the sensing unit, and finally derive the physical amount applied from outside.