Multi-Core Optical Fiber Measurement via Rotational Butt-Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement of optical characteristics in multi-core optical fibers (MCF) is time-consuming due to the need for alignment and fusion using an MCF-compatible fusion splicer, which increases the overall measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize rotational fiber holders and butt-coupling techniques to align and connect optical fibers with MCF, allowing for rapid measurement of optical characteristics by using a first and second optical fibers to irradiate and measure light, with optional end-surface observation and alignment using cameras and refractive index matching agents to reduce connection loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If alignment and fusion using MCF-compatible fusion splicer is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming alignment and fusion processes from the measurement procedure by using butt-coupling instead of fusion splicing. The MCF is directly connected to optical fibers through mechanical alignment and butt-coupling, eliminating the need for MCF-compatible fusion splicers and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational fiber holders as intermediary devices that enable precise rotational alignment of the MCF with optical fibers. These holders serve as mediators between the MCF and standard optical fiber handling equipment, allowing accurate alignment without requiring specialized fusion splicing equipment
2Productivity
If rotational fiber holders and butt-coupling techniques are used, then measurement time is reduced, but alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotational fiber holders that enable dynamic rotational adjustment of the MCF during alignment. This dynamic capability allows operators to quickly adjust the rotational position of the MCF to achieve proper alignment with optical fibers, maintaining high alignment precision while enabling rapid reconfiguration and measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary rotational alignment using the rotational fiber holders before final butt-coupling. By pre-aligning the MCF cores with the optical fiber cores through rotational adjustment, the system ensures that subsequent butt-coupling maintains sufficient alignment precision without requiring time-consuming fine-adjustment procedures
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 the measurement of optical characteristics of MCF in a short time and in a simple manner, reducing the time required for alignment and fusion processes.
Implementation Method 1
connecting a first optical fiber having a diameter equal to a diameter of the MCF and connected to a light source to a first end surface of the MCF
Implementation Method 2
connecting a second optical fiber having a diameter equal to the diameter of the MCF and connected to a measuring instrument to a second end surface of the MCF
Implementation Method 3
with optional end-surface observation and alignment using cameras and refractive index matching agents to reduce connection loss
Data Source
AI summary
This method for measuring the optical characteristics of a multi-core optical fiber (MCF) includes: connecting, to a first end face of MCF, a first optical fiber having the same diameter as MCF and connected to a light source, and connecting, to a second end face of MCF, a second optical fiber having the same diameter as MCF and connected to a measuring instrument; and irradiating the first end face with measurement light emitted from the light source via the first optical fiber, and measuring light emitted from the second end face with the measuring instrument via the second optical fiber. The connecting includes aligning the rotational angle of the first end face, aligning the rotational angle of a first connection end face, abutting and connecting the aligned first end face and first connection end face, and abutting and connecting the second end face and a second connection end face.