Multi-Core Fiber Assembly for Compact Multi-Line Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber manufacturing processes are limited to producing fibers with circular, square, or low aspect ratio rectangular cores, hindering the development of multi-core fibers with rectangular, square, or hexagonal cross-sections that can deliver multi-line illumination for advanced scientific instruments like bioimaging and metrology apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning and joining two or more optical fibers with rectangular cross-sections, separated by a distance less than the diameter of a single unmodified fiber, to create multi-core fibers capable of generating multi-line illumination, using techniques such as grinding, polishing, and etching to modify the cladding and bond the fibers together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fiber manufacturing processes are used, then fibers with circular, square, or low aspect ratio rectangular cores can be produced, but multi-core fibers with rectangular, square, or hexagonal cross-sections that can deliver multi-line illumination cannot be manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the manufacturing process into separate stages: first producing individual single-core fibers with standard circular cross-sections, then joining multiple such fibers together to create multi-core fibers with desired rectangular, square, or hexagonal cross-sections. This segmentation allows each fiber to be manufactured using conventional processes while the final multi-core structure achieves the desired versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple individually manufactured single-core fibers into a single multi-core fiber assembly. By joining fibers with rectangular cross-sections along their lengths and fusing their cladding layers, the process creates multi-core fibers that can deliver multi-line illumination, merging the capabilities of multiple fibers into one integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fibers are joined together to form multi-core fibers, then multi-line illumination can be delivered, but the core separation distance increases beyond the diameter of a single unmodified fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple single-core fibers into a tightly integrated multi-core fiber assembly where the cores are separated by distances less than the diameter of a single unmodified fiber. The cladding layers of adjacent fibers are fused together, creating a compact structure that maintains small core separation while enabling multi-line illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a nested structure where multiple fiber cores are closely packed together with their cladding layers interwoven and fused. This nested arrangement allows the cores to be positioned at separations less than a single fiber diameter, effectively nesting multiple functional elements within a compact cross-sectional area.
3Shape
If rectangular cross-section fibers are used, then high aspect ratio illumination lines can be produced, but conventional manufacturing processes cannot produce such fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the manufacturing challenge by producing individual fibers with manufacturable circular cross-sections using conventional processes, then joining these rectangular-prism-shaped fibers together. This allows the final multi-core fiber to have a rectangular cross-section with high aspect ratio capabilities, while each component fiber remains compatible with standard manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates asymmetric rectangular cross-section multi-core fibers by joining individual fibers in specific configurations. The resulting multi-core fiber has a rectangular cross-section that is not easily manufacturable as a single fiber, but is achieved through the asymmetric arrangement and joining of multiple circular-cross-section fibers.
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 allows for the production of multi-core fibers that provide uniform multi-line illumination with high aspect ratios and low light leakage, enhancing the performance of instruments like flow cytometry and light-sheet microscopy by delivering multiple wavelengths or colors to samples.
Implementation Method 1
two or more optical fibers, each optical fiber having a rectangular cross-sectional core
Implementation Method 2
the multi-core fibers providing or generating a plurality of lines of illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements of multi-core fibers, devices, and systems with two or more cores, defined by a core separation of less than a cross-sectional diameter of a discrete single core unmodified fiber, and methods of using are provided and/or described herein. Arrangements of fibers, devices, and systems with three or more cores, defined by a core separation of less than a cross-sectional diameter of a discrete single core fiber, and methods of using are provided and/or described herein. Also, disclosed are methods of manufacturing and joining two or more single rectangular (or square core) fibers to form two or more lines of illumination for myriad applications.