Multi-Core Optical Fiber Connector Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning core arrangement directions in multi-core optical fiber connectors are inaccurate, particularly when dealing with one-dimensionally arranged arrays, as they rely on unspecified core positions and require marker alignment off an arbitrary line-symmetric axis, leading to difficulties in determining rotational positions of multiple fibers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving rotational alignment of multi-core optical fibers using markers positioned at specific locations on the fiber cross-section, such as perpendicular to the core line or symmetrically arranged, to accurately align core arrangement directions by minimizing distances between markers and cores, ensuring precise rotational positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to align core arrangement directions in MCF connectors, then the alignment process can be completed, but the alignment precision is insufficient and rotational positions cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary reference objects attached to the MCF cladding. These markers serve as mediators between the alignment system and the cores, enabling indirect but precise measurement of rotational positions. The markers provide visible reference points that can be monitored during alignment without requiring direct observation of the cores themselves, thereby solving the problem of insufficient alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference pattern by copying the relative positional relationships between markers and cores onto a monitor display. This visual copy allows operators to see and measure the rotational positions indirectly, transforming the invisible core positions into visible marker positions that can be accurately measured and aligned. The monitor pattern serves as a replicated representation of the actual fiber structure.
2Ease of operation
If markers are positioned off an arbitrary line-symmetric axis to enable monitoring, then side face monitoring becomes possible, but determining rotational positions of multiple fibers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions markers at asymmetric locations on the cladding, specifically at positions that are not on the line-symmetric axis of the core arrangement. This asymmetric positioning creates unique rotational signatures for each fiber, allowing the monitoring system to distinguish and determine the rotational position of each fiber based on its specific marker pattern. The asymmetry transforms the monitoring capability into a precise rotational position detection mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If core positions are left unspecified to allow flexibility in MCF structure, then manufacturing becomes easier, but alignment accuracy in connector arrays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary reference objects attached to the cladding. These markers serve as mediators between the alignment system and the cores, enabling indirect but precise measurement of rotational positions. The markers provide visible reference points that can be monitored during alignment without requiring direct observation of the cores themselves, thereby solving the problem of insufficient alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference pattern by copying the relative positional relationships between markers and cores onto a monitor display. This visual copy allows operators to see and measure the rotational positions indirectly, transforming the invisible core positions into visible marker positions that can be accurately measured and aligned. The monitor pattern serves as a replicated representation of the actual fiber structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an MCF and others with a structure for accurately aligning each of core arrangement directions of one or more MCFs to be fixed in a connector. Each of the MCFs has a marker as an index for rotational position. The ends of the MCFs are rotated while monitoring positions of the respective markers with a CCD camera or the like, whereby each of the core arrangement directions is aligned with a specific direction.