Multi-core Fiber Crosstalk Measurement via Parallel Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring inter-core crosstalk in multi-core fibers are time-consuming due to the need for multiple core connections and are affected by pixel sensitivity variations in image sensors, making it difficult to accurately assess transmission capacity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that injects a laser beam into one core of a multi-core optical fiber, converts emitted light into parallel light with an angle difference, measures the intensity distribution of interference waveforms, and analyzes the interference and DC components to calculate crosstalk without physical connections or end-face masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the power meter method is used to measure light intensity from each core, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases due to multiple connections required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement operations into a single imaging operation. Instead of connecting the power meter to each core sequentially, the imaging sensor captures light intensity from all cores simultaneously in one shot, merging multiple measurements into a single operation that reduces time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (power meter physical connections to each core) with an optical imaging system. The imaging sensor captures light fields from all cores through optical paths, eliminating the need for repeated physical connections while preserving measurement capability
2Productivity
If image sensor is used to measure emitted light without connection, then measurement efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pixel sensitivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct intensity values to intensity ratios. By calculating the ratio of light intensity from the core under test to the reference core, the method eliminates the need for absolute intensity calibration and compensates for pixel sensitivity variations, maintaining precision while using efficient imaging measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference core as an intermediary standard. The reference core provides a stable reference signal that mediates the measurement process, allowing ratio-based calculation that compensates for sensor variations and enables accurate relative intensity measurement without requiring perfect pixel uniformity
3Reliability
If the end face of reference core is physically masked, then dynamic range is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex masking procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light blocking function from the physical masking tape and implements it through software processing. Instead of physically blocking light from the reference core, the system captures the full light field and then digitally subtracts or ratios out the reference core contribution, achieving the same dynamic range benefit without physical manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical masking system with a computational approach. The light blocking function previously performed by physical tape is now achieved through digital image processing and mathematical operations on the captured light field data, eliminating manual masking steps while preserving dynamic range control
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 inter-core crosstalk without fiber connections, improving measurement efficiency and reducing sensitivity-related errors.
Implementation Method 1
means for injecting a laser beam into one core of an optical fiber having a plurality of cores
Implementation Method 2
means for converting light emitted from each of the cores provided in the optical fiber into parallel light with an angle difference
Implementation Method 3
electric field intensity distribution measuring means capable of measuring an intensity distribution of an interference waveform of the parallel light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring inter-core crosstalk of an optical fiber having a plurality of cores, the method including: injecting light into one core of the optical fiber; converting light emitted from each of the cores provided in the optical fiber into parallel light with an angle difference; measuring an intensity distribution of an interference waveform of the parallel light; independently obtaining an interference component between the one core and any core, different from the one core, provided in the optical fiber and a DC component other than the interference component using the interference waveform of the parallel light; and obtaining crosstalk from the one core to any core, different from the one core, using the interference component and the DC component.