Mode Field Adapter Assembly for Hollow-Core Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow core optical fibers are not directly compatible with existing transceiver equipment configured for solid core fibers, and conventional splicing or connectorization techniques are impractical and costly, due to structural and mechanical incompatibilities, including mismatched mode field diameters and susceptibility to damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide adapter assembly is introduced, comprising a portion of hollow core and solid core fibers with a mode field adapter to convert optical mode fields, enabling high-quality joins between the two types, which can be fabricated in a controlled environment and deployed in the field using standard splicing and connectorization techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hollow core optical fibres are used for data transmission, then transmission performance is improved (higher optical powers, broader bandwidths, near-vacuum light speeds), but compatibility with existing solid core transceiver equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A mode field adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the hollow core optical fibre and the solid core transceiver equipment. This adapter includes a first waveguide portion (solid core) that interfaces with the transceiver and a second waveguide portion (hollow core) that interfaces with the hollow core fibre, with a mode field conversion section that transforms the optical mode field from solid core to hollow core format, enabling compatibility without requiring new transceiver equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The mode field adapter changes the optical parameters (mode field diameter, numerical aperture) to match between the hollow core fibre and solid core transceiver equipment. By transforming the optical mode field characteristics, the adapter enables efficient light coupling between the two different fibre types while maintaining the performance benefits of hollow core transmission
2Productivity
If conventional splicing or connectorisation techniques are used to join hollow core fibres, then connection speed and cost are improved, but connection quality and reliability deteriorate due to mode field diameter mismatch and structural incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The mode field adapter is pre-fabricated with integrated mode field conversion sections that are optimally designed and manufactured in a controlled factory environment. This preliminary action ensures precise mode field matching and high-quality joins between solid core and hollow core portions, eliminating the need for complex field splicing operations while guaranteeing connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as a pre-configured intermediary that provides standardized interfaces for both solid core and hollow core connections. This mediator component simplifies the connection process by providing ready-to-use coupling points that accommodate conventional splicing and connectorisation techniques while ensuring high-quality optical performance
3Ease of operation
If hollow core fibres are exposed for connection purposes, then connectivity is improved, but susceptibility to contamination and mechanical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow core fibre is protected by a delicate cladding structure that acts as a protective shell, enclosing the hollow core to prevent contamination ingress while allowing optical transmission. This thin film structure maintains the optical performance benefits of the hollow core while providing necessary mechanical protection and contamination barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The mode field adapter serves as an intermediary that provides protected interface points for connection. The adapter's solid core and hollow core portions are joined in a controlled manner, allowing connectivity to be established through the adapter's protected interfaces rather than directly exposing the hollow core fibre to contamination and mechanical stress
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 adapter assembly allows for seamless integration of hollow core fibers into existing optical signal transmission systems, reducing transmission loss and enabling robust connections that withstand mechanical forces, suitable for applications like data centers.
Implementation Method 1
a mode field adapter which is configured to convert the size of an optical mode field supported in the solid core fibre to the size of the optical mode field supported in the hollow core fibre
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical waveguide adapter assembly comprises a solid core optical waveguide extending between a free end and a coupled end and having a solid waveguiding core with an associated first optical mode field size; a hollow core optical waveguide extending between a free end and a coupled end and having a hollow waveguiding core with an associated second optical mode field size; and an optical mode field adapter extending between a first end and a second end and having a waveguiding core configured to change an optical mode field of a waveguided optical signal substantially between the first optical mode field size at the first end of the optical mode field adapter and the second optical mode field size at the second end of the optical mode field adapter, the first end of the optical mode field adapter joined to the coupled end of the solid core optical waveguide to provide optical coupling between the waveguiding core of the solid core optical waveguide and the waveguiding core of the optical mode field adapter, and the second end of the optical mode field adapter joined to the coupled end of the hollow core optical waveguide to provide optical coupling between the waveguiding core of the hollow core optical waveguide and the waveguiding core of the optical mode field adapter.