Multi-Core Fiber Splice Testing via Marker Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion-splicing methods for optical fibers with anisotropic refractive index distribution, such as multi-core and PANDA fibers, require precise rotational alignment of markers and stress applying parts, but lack effective post-fusion-splicing testing to ensure proper fusion.
Innovation Solution
A test method and system using a single or multiple light sources and detectors, along with a control section, to identify marker positions in multi-core fibers based on transmitted light intensity direction dependencies, ensuring appropriate fusion-splicing through post-fusion-splicing measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rotational alignment is performed before fusion-splicing to ensure proper core position matching and marker alignment, then fusion-splicing quality is improved, but the complexity of the fusion-splicing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs rotational alignment before fusion-splicing by measuring the direction dependency of transmitted light intensity to identify marker positions and core positions in advance. This preliminary measurement and alignment action ensures that when fusion-splicing occurs, the cores are properly matched and markers are correctly aligned, thereby improving fusion-splicing quality without adding complexity during the actual splicing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical measurement methods. Instead of using mechanical devices to physically align and mark positions, the system uses light sources and detectors to measure the direction dependency of transmitted light intensity, which reveals the positions of markers and cores. This substitution simplifies the overall process while maintaining high precision
2Reliability
If post-fusion-splicing measurement is performed to verify fusion quality, then reliability of fusion-splicing is improved, but the time required for the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same light source and detector system that was employed during the alignment phase to also perform the post-fusion-splicing measurement. This multi-functional use of the measurement device allows the system to verify fusion quality without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs measurements both before and after fusion-splicing to verify that the alignment and splicing were successful. The post-fusion-splicing measurement provides feedback on the quality of the fusion process, allowing for verification of core position matching and marker alignment. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability while the efficient measurement process keeps time loss minimal
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 accurate testing of fusion-splicing quality by identifying marker positions, verifying proper alignment and fusion integrity post-splicing.
Implementation Method 1
a post-fusion-splicing measurement step of identifying a position of a marker of one multi-core fiber of two multi-core fibers on a basis of a direction in which a predetermined first shape appears in a graph indicative of a direction dependency of a transmitted light intensity of the one multi-core fiber
Implementation Method 2
there has been a widely used optical fiber which has a cross section having an anisotropic refractive index distribution
Implementation Method 3
a multi-core fiber including a plurality of cores; and a polarization-maintaining and absorption-reducing (PANDA) fiber having a polarization maintaining function
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(h)
Figure 3(a)~4(c)
AI summary
Provided is a fusion splicing method making it easier to acknowledge that a fiber connection body with a low coupling efficiency of the cores is achieved, if this happens. A fusion splicing method (S1) includes a post-fusion-splicing measurement step (S16) of identifying a position of a marker of one multi-core fiber (OF1) of two multi-core fibers (OF1, OF2) based on a direction in which a predetermined first shape appears in a graph indicating a direction dependency of a transmitted light intensity of the one multi-core fiber (OF1) and identifying a position of a marker of the other multi-core fiber (OF2) based on a direction in which a predetermined second shape appears in a graph indicating a direction dependency of a transmitted light intensity of the other multi-core fiber (OF2), the two multi-core fibers (OF1, OF2) being fusion-spliced to each other via their respective end surfaces.