Multicore Optical Fiber With Helical Cores And Lateral Coupling Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quasi-distributed fiber-optic sensors and probes face limitations in sensitivity and spatial resolution, particularly in space-confined environments where compact multipoint sensing and probing are required.
Innovation Solution
A multicore optical fiber with a helical trajectory and longitudinally distributed, azimuthally aligned lateral coupling zones enables lateral optical coupling between cores and the exterior, allowing for enhanced light delivery and collection through cavities, light reflectors, and evanescent wave coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-core or few-core optical fibers are used for distributed sensing, then the device structure is simple, but the spatial resolution and sensitivity are insufficient for multipoint sensing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple independent cores (e.g., 7 cores arranged in a hexagonal pattern around a central core), allowing each core to function as an independent sensing channel. This segmentation enables simultaneous multipoint sensing along the fiber length, improving spatial resolution without requiring multiple separate fiber installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber structure transitions from a single-core configuration to a multicore configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the sensing capability. Multiple cores are arranged in different spatial positions within the fiber cross-section, enabling angular and spatial discrimination of sensing events that cannot be achieved with single-core fibers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical fibers without lateral coupling zones are used, then the fiber structure is simple, but the ability to deliver and collect light at multiple points along the fiber is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber structure is divided into multiple functional segments along its length, with lateral coupling zones periodically distributed at specific intervals. Each coupling zone enables independent light delivery and collection at discrete locations, creating a multipoint sensing capability while maintaining a relatively simple periodic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicore fiber structure with distributed lateral coupling zones serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a waveguide for light transmission, provides multiple spatial channels for differential sensing, enables light delivery through lateral coupling, and facilitates light collection from external sources. This multi-functionality achieves versatile multipoint sensing without requiring separate systems for each function.
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 configuration improves the spatial resolution and sensitivity of quasi-distributed sensing and probing applications, enabling effective multipoint light delivery and collection in compact environments.
Implementation Method 1
multiple cores disposed in the cladding, each one of the multiple cores following a helical trajectory about the fiber axis
Implementation Method 2
the optical interface is oriented with respect to the corresponding core to enable the lateral coupling of light to be effected via total internal reflection inside the corresponding core at the optical interface
Implementation Method 3
the cavity is spaced outwardly from the corresponding core in a manner such that a lateral gap is formed therebetween, the lateral gap enabling evanescent wave coupling of light thereacross between the corresponding core and the exterior of the multicore fiber
Implementation Method 4
the at least one of the lateral coupling zones further includes a light reflector disposed inside the cavity and along the optical coupling path
Data Source
AI summary
A multicore optical fiber includes a cladding and multiple cores disposed in the cladding. Each core has a light-guiding path and follows a helical trajectory about a fiber axis. The multicore fiber also includes a set of discrete lateral coupling zones, which are longitudinally distributed and azimuthally aligned with respect to the fiber axis. Each lateral coupling zone forms an optical coupling path, which enables at least one of lateral in-coupling and out-coupling of light between a corresponding one of the cores and an exterior of the multicore fiber. An optical probing system for light delivery to and/or light collection from a probed region includes a multicore optical fiber to enable coupling of guided light out of the cores for delivery to the probed region and/or collection of light from the probed region for coupling into one of the cores.