Multi-Fiber Ferrule End Face Angle Measurement via Guide Pin Deviation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the surface angle of multi-fiber optic connectors and ferrules in interferometric systems do not accurately account for the deviation angles of guide pins, leading to calculation errors in surface angle measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves simultaneous scanning of guide pins and the connector end face using a special fixture with a mirror element in an interferometric system, allowing for precise alignment angle measurement and consideration of guide pin deviation angles in surface angle calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guide pins are used to position connectors in the interferometric system, then connector alignment is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to guide pin deviation angles not being accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and measurement of guide pin positions and alignment angles before conducting the actual surface angle measurement of the connector end face. By pre-measuring the guide pin deviation angles and storing this alignment data, the system can later compensate for these deviations when calculating surface angles, thus eliminating the measurement error while maintaining the ease of connector positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the actual guide pin alignment angles and uses this feedback information to correct the surface angle calculations. The measured guide pin deviation angles are fed back into the calculation algorithm to compensate for positioning errors, thereby improving measurement accuracy while retaining the simple fixture-based positioning method
2Device complexity
If guide pin deviation angles are not measured, then measurement process is simplified, but surface angle calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the guide pin alignment measurement and the connector end face surface angle measurement into a single integrated interferometric measurement process. By using the same interferometric system and fixture for both measurements, the patent eliminates the need for separate measurement devices or procedures, thereby maintaining process simplicity while obtaining the necessary guide pin deviation data for accurate surface angle calculation
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 approach enhances measurement accuracy by accounting for guide pin alignment angles, improving the precision of surface angle determination in multi-fiber connectors and ferrules, applicable to various fiber counts and connector types.
Implementation Method 1
Interferometric measurement method for end face surface angle of multi-fiber ferrules and connectors
Data Source
AI summary
An interferometric measurement method aims at calculating end face surface angle of multi-fiber connector or ferrule taking into account parallelism deviation angles of the connector or ferrule guide holes. The parallelism deviation angles are measured by scanning the side surfaces of guide pins inserted into the guide holes, which is done simultaneously with the end face scanning. Interferometric data from connector or ferrule end face and side surfaces of the guide pins is gathered during one scanning session—either one simultaneous scan or several scans without moving or re-inserting the connector or ferrule.