Optical Pulse Tester for Multicore Fiber Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring crosstalk between cores in multicore optical fibers are inefficient and inaccurate due to the use of multiple OTDR devices and imperfect optical directional couplers, which cause leakage and mixing of backscattered light signals.
Innovation Solution
An optical pulse tester with separate output and input ports, and optionally an optical switch, that generates and directs optical pulses to one core and receives backscattered light from other cores, using photodetectors and signal processing to accurately measure crosstalk without the need for optical directional couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple OTDR devices are used to measure crosstalk, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single OTDR device by integrating separate output ports and input ports. This allows one device to perform measurements that previously required multiple devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The OTDR device is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where a single device can measure crosstalk between multiple cores simultaneously through its multiple output ports and input ports. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If optical directional couplers are used to receive backscattered light, then signal reception is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to leakage and mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light reception function by providing separate input ports for receiving backscattered light from different cores. This segmentation allows independent reception of signals from each core, preventing the mixing and leakage problems that occur with optical directional couplers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate input ports as intermediary components between the optical fiber cores and the detection system. These dedicated input ports serve as precise interfaces that directly receive backscattered light without the signal degradation caused by optical directional couplers.
3Measurement precision
If separate output and input ports are used for each core, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement channels into a single integrated OTDR device. By combining the output ports and input ports within one device housing, it achieves accurate multi-core crosstalk measurement without requiring separate devices for each core, thus avoiding proportional increases in total mounting area.
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 easy and accurate measurement of crosstalk between cores in multicore optical fibers, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple cores and reducing the device's mounting area and measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
a laser element configured to generate an optical pulse
Implementation Method 2
backscattered light generated in a core other than the one core among the plurality of cores
Implementation Method 3
at least one photodetector configured to detect the backscattered light received by the input port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical pulse tester (10) according to the present disclosure measures crosstalk between cores of a multicore optical fiber. The optical pulse tester (10) includes a laser element (12) configured to generate an optical pulse, an output port (20) configured to output the optical pulse to one core among a plurality of cores in the multicore optical fiber, an input port (30) configured to receive backscattered light generated in a core other than the one core among the plurality of cores, and a photodetector (13) configured to detect the backscattered light received by the input port (30).