Nanostructured Light-Diffusing Optical Fiber for Uniform Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Light-diffusing optical fibers face challenges in maintaining uniform illumination along their length due to light scattering, requiring expensive solutions like dual light sources or reflectors to achieve uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A light-diffusing optical fiber with a nanostructured core comprising a central inner core and an outer core, each with distinct refractive indices and scattering properties, surrounded by a cladding, and optionally an isolation region, which allows for controlled light scattering and distribution through bends to enhance uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light scattering is increased to achieve uniform illumination along the fiber length, then illumination uniformity is improved, but light loss increases and total internal reflection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct nanostructured regions with different scattering properties within the core. The first region has a first nanostructure morphology providing higher scattering, while the second region has a second nanostructure morphology providing lower scattering. This spatial variation in scattering properties allows uniform illumination along the fiber length while managing light loss through controlled scattering zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different nanostructure morphologies within the core regions. The core comprises multiple regions with distinct void configurations - one region with higher void density for enhanced scattering and another with lower void density for reduced scattering. This composite nanostructure enables simultaneous achievement of uniform illumination and controlled light loss.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is used, then system cost is reduced, but uniform illumination along the fiber length cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the nanostructure morphology parameters along the fiber length. The void size, void density, and nanostructure distribution are varied between the first and second core regions to control scattering characteristics. This parametric variation enables a single light source to produce uniform illumination by compensating for the natural intensity decay through controlled light scattering in different zones.
3Illumination intensity
If nanostructure morphology is varied to control scattering, then light scattering uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core into distinct regions - a first region and a second region - each with specific nanostructure morphology characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of scattering properties in each zone while providing clear manufacturing targets for creating the desired light distribution pattern along the fiber length.
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 nanostructured core design enhances light scattering uniformity along the fiber length, reducing the need for additional light sources or reflectors, thereby lowering system costs and improving illumination consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the first configuration of voids that defines a first amount of light scattering and a second configuration of voids that defines a second amount of light scattering that is different from the first amount of light scattering
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A light-diffusing optical fiber having nanostructured inner and outer core regions is disclosed. The nanostructured inner core region (30) is defined by a first configuration of voids (34) that defines a first amount of light scattering. The outer core region (50) is defined by a second configuration of voids (54) that defines a second amount of light scattering that is different from the first amount of light scattering. A cladding (100) surrounds the nanostructured core. Light scattered out of the inner core region scatters from the outer core region and then out of the cladding as scattered light. Selective bending of the light-diffusing optical fiber is used to define a bending configuration that allows for tailoring the intensity distribution of the scattered light emitted from the fiber as a function of the length of the fiber.