Mode Scrambler for Single-Mode to Multi-Mode Fiber Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed sensing systems face challenges when connecting single-mode fibers to multi-mode fibers due to significant signal intensity loss at the interface, leading to detector saturation and inability to simultaneously interrogate both fiber types effectively.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensing interrogator system that uses a mode scrambler to distribute the energy of a single-mode optical signal into multiple modes of a multi-mode fiber, coupled with an optical amplifier and filter, minimizes signal loss and allows for simultaneous interrogation of both single-mode and multi-mode fibers without modifying the interrogator, enabling efficient use of single-mode fibers with multi-mode fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-mode fiber is directly connected to a multi-mode fiber for distributed sensing, then the system can interrogate both fiber types, but significant signal intensity loss occurs at the interface leading to detector saturation and inability to simultaneously interrogate both fiber types
Solution Approach 1:
A mode scrambler is introduced as an intermediary device between the single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber. The mode scrambler converts the single-mode optical signal into a multi-mode optical signal by distributing the energy across multiple modes, enabling efficient coupling without significant signal loss at the fiber interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the modal distribution parameter of the optical signal by using a mode scrambler. This transforms the signal from a single-mode configuration to a multi-mode configuration, matching the characteristics of the multi-mode fiber and reducing interface loss.
2Measurement precision
If signal amplification is increased to compensate for interface loss in multi-mode fiber interrogation, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but detector saturation occurs for single-mode fiber signals
Solution Approach 1:
The mode scrambler acts as a mediator that transforms the optical signal characteristics before it enters the multi-mode fiber, ensuring that the signal intensity is appropriately distributed. This eliminates the need for excessive amplification that would cause detector saturation while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different signal conditioning approaches to different fiber types. The mode scrambler is specifically placed in the multi-mode fiber path to provide localized signal transformation, allowing each fiber type to be optimized independently without affecting the other.
3Reliability
If separate interrogation systems are used for single-mode and multi-mode fibers, then each fiber type can be optimized independently, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single interrogator system universal by adding a mode scrambler that enables it to handle both single-mode and multi-mode fibers. The mode scrambler is only activated when multi-mode fiber is detected, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each fiber type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the detected fiber type. The control system monitors the fiber characteristics and activates the mode scrambler only when multi-mode fiber is detected, allowing the system to adapt its configuration in real-time rather than requiring fixed separate systems.
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
This solution provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio and minimizes signal integrity loss, allowing for effective use of single-mode fibers with multi-mode fibers, reducing the need for separate systems and enabling compatibility with multi-wavelength and homodyne/heterodyne interrogation schemes.
Implementation Method 1
A mode scrambler is coupleable to the multi-mode optical fiber for distributing energy of the filtered single-mode optical signal into multiple modes of the multi-mode optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
an optical amplifier and filter, minimizes signal loss
Data Source
AI summary
The subject technology relates to distributed sensing interrogation using single-mode fiber for multi-mode fiber interrogation. The subject technology includes deploying a distributed sensing tool into a wellbore, and logging the wellbore using the distributed sensing tool. The distributed sensing tool includes an optical amplifier and an optical filter coupled to a single-mode optical fiber and a multi-mode optical fiber. The optical amplifier is coupled to a single-mode circulator for amplifying a single-mode optical signal, and the optical filter is coupled to the optical amplifier for filtering the amplified single-mode optical signal. The single-mode circulator is coupleable to an interrogator for routing the single-mode optical signal to the multi-mode optical fiber and routing a reflective optical signal from the multi-mode optical fiber to the interrogator. A mode scrambler is coupleable to the multi-mode optical fiber for coupling the amplified single-mode optical signal into multiple modes of the multi-mode optical fiber.