Multi-Core Fiber Direction Detection with One Partially Reflective Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber transmission systems face limitations in increasing capacity due to restrictions on transmission bands and noise suppression, necessitating the development of spatial division multiplexing technologies like multi-core fibers, which require a method to determine the transmission direction of signal light in each core.
Innovation Solution
A transmission direction determination apparatus and method using a first and second lens, a partially reflective mirror, and photodetectors to measure signal light intensities, allowing the processor to determine the transmission direction through multi-core fibers by comparing intensities measured by the photodetectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a partially reflective mirror is inserted in the transmission path of a multi-core fiber to detect signal light, then the presence or absence of signal light can be determined, but the optical loss increases and the apparatus size increases due to requiring two mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate partially reflective mirrors into a single partially reflective mirror that simultaneously handles detection for both cores. The mirror is positioned to reflect light from both cores onto respective photodetectors, reducing the component count from two mirrors to one, thereby decreasing optical loss and apparatus size while maintaining detection functionality.
2Measurement precision
If a partially reflective mirror is inserted in the transmission path of a multi-core fiber to detect signal light, then the presence or absence of signal light can be determined, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate detection paths into a single partially reflective mirror structure. By positioning one mirror to serve both cores simultaneously, the apparatus footprint is reduced. The mirror reflects light from multiple cores onto respective photodetectors arranged in a compact configuration, thereby decreasing the overall apparatus size while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple partially reflective mirrors are used to determine transmission direction in each core, then the transmission direction can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single partially reflective mirror. Instead of using separate mirrors for each core, one mirror is positioned to reflect light from multiple cores onto respective photodetectors. This reduces the number of components from two mirrors to one, simplifying the device structure while maintaining the capability to determine transmission direction for each core.
4Measurement precision
If two partially reflective mirrors are used to detect signal light from two different directions, then the transmission direction can be determined, but the optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two partially reflective mirrors into a single mirror structure. The single mirror is positioned to simultaneously reflect light from both cores onto respective photodetectors, eliminating the need for two separate mirrors. This reduction in component count directly decreases optical loss while maintaining the ability to accurately determine transmission direction by comparing signal intensities from both directions.
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 efficient determination of transmission directions in multi-core fibers with reduced optical loss and apparatus size, as the partially reflective mirror is used at a single location instead of two, and allows for collective identification of transmission directions in bundled optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens configured to collimate light propagating from one multi-core fiber of two multi-core fibers to the other multi-core fiber
Implementation Method 2
a second lens configured to focus the light that has propagated from the first lens
Implementation Method 3
a partially reflective mirror configured to reflect part of the collimated light
Implementation Method 4
a first photodetector disposed on a side of the first surface of the partially reflective mirror and configured to measure an intensity of signal light reflected by the partially reflective mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission direction determination apparatus includes: a first lens configured to collimate light propagating from one multi-core fiber of two multi-core fibers to the other multi-core fiber of the two multi-core fibers; a second lens configured to focus the light that has propagated from the first lens; a partially reflective mirror configured to reflect part of the collimated light and including a first surface and a second surface; a first photodetector disposed on a side of the first surface of the partially reflective mirror and configured to measure an intensity of signal light reflected by the partially reflective mirror; and a second photodetector disposed on a side of the second surface of the partially reflective mirror and configured to measure an intensity of signal light reflected by the partially reflective mirror.