Multicore Fiber Attenuator Using Distorted Waveguide Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicore fiber attenuators face challenges in achieving uniform or non-uniform attenuation across multiple optical fiber cores while minimizing crosstalk, polarization-dependent loss, and return loss, as existing methods often increase these parameters due to scattered light coupling with other cores and waveguide deformations in multicore fibers.
Innovation Solution
A multicore fiber optical attenuator with an elongated optical element featuring a distorted attenuating section, achieved through heat or mechanical manipulation, couples propagating and radiation modes, allowing for controlled scattering and absorption, thereby maintaining or reducing crosstalk, polarization-dependent loss, and return loss across multiple optical fiber cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional attenuation methods are used in multicore fiber, then optical attenuation is achieved, but crosstalk between cores increases due to scattered light coupling with other cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized distortions in specific waveguide sections rather than uniformly deforming the entire fiber. The distortion is concentrated in a specific region to couple propagating modes to radiation modes locally, allowing attenuation to occur only in that section while leaving other sections intact and preventing widespread crosstalk between cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiation modes as an intermediary mechanism between the propagating modes and the attenuation process. The distorted waveguide section acts as a mediator that couples the confined propagating modes to the radiating modes, which then carry energy away from the fiber cores. This intermediary approach allows controlled attenuation while minimizing direct coupling between adjacent cores.
2Loss of energy
If waveguide deformations are applied to achieve attenuation, then optical loss is increased, but polarization-dependent loss and return loss also increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the waveguide deformation in a specific localized section rather than applying it uniformly along the entire fiber. This localized distortion approach allows the attenuation function to be performed in a confined region, minimizing the impact on polarization characteristics and return loss across the entire fiber length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of waveguide deformation into a beneficial attenuation mechanism by carefully controlling the distortion to couple propagating modes to radiation modes. The deformation is designed to achieve attenuation while preserving polarization characteristics, effectively converting what would normally be a detrimental effect into a controlled functional feature.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If uniform attenuation is achieved across multiple cores, then crosstalk is minimized, but the complexity of the attenuating section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attenuation function with the existing multicore fiber structure by utilizing the natural mode coupling mechanisms of the fiber itself. Rather than introducing separate attenuation components, the distorted waveguide sections are integrated directly into the fiber cores, combining the attenuation function with the light transmission function and avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves uniform attenuation by carefully controlling and adjusting the distortion parameters of the waveguide sections, such as the degree and location of deformation. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves uniform attenuation across multiple cores while keeping the structural complexity manageable, demonstrating that parameter optimization can simplify the overall design.
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 solution effectively achieves desired optical attenuation across multiple cores with minimal increase in crosstalk, polarization-dependent loss, and return loss, optimizing the attenuating section's structure to preserve these parameters within specific dB ranges.
Implementation Method 1
said attenuating section comprises a distorted optical waveguide capable of coupling at least one said propagating optical mode with said at least one radiation mode at said wavelength W−1
Implementation Method 2
said attenuating section is a portion of a multicore fiber distorted by at least one of application of heat and mechanical manipulation
Implementation Method 3
said radiation mode radiates from one of said optical waveguides over a scattering distance
Implementation Method 4
said at least one radiation mode is absorbed by a fiber coating
Implementation Method 5
said application of heat is one of pulsed and continuous heat
Implementation Method 6
said attenuating section is a portion of a multicore fiber distorted by application of heat
Implementation Method 7
said mechanical manipulation is at least one of fiber pulling, fiber compression, fiber twist, fiber rotation, fiber shift along the fiber axis, and fiber shift perpendicular to the fiber axis
Implementation Method 8
said attenuating section is a portion of a multicore fiber distorted by application of mechanical manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A multicore fiber (MCF) optical attenuator (MCF-ATT) can be configured to attenuate light traveling from at least one core of a first MCF to at least one core of a second MCF at least at one wavelength W−1. The MCF-ATT can include a plurality of optical waveguides and an attenuating section within the plurality of optical waveguides. The attenuating section can include a distorted portion of the plurality of optical waveguides. The distorted portion can be configured to couple at least one propagating optical mode with at least one radiation mode at the wavelength W−1.