Offset Fiber Optical Assembly for Uniform Wide-Divergence Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber assemblies with 0.47 numerical aperture have limited divergence angles and non-uniform light distribution, which are inadequate for certain illumination applications that require wider divergence angles with uniform light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber assembly comprising a launching fiber with a smaller diameter than the illuminating fiber, where the launching fiber contacts the illuminating fiber offset from its center, and a lens is used to transmit light at a divergence angle greater than 60 degrees with uniform intensity distribution, achieved through restricted mode launching and the use of a mask or lens configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a ball lens, concave lens or axicon lens is attached to the end of the fiber to increase the maximum divergence angle, then the divergence angle is improved, but the output distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (diffusing layer or specific fiber configuration) between the light source and the output to mediate the light distribution. This intermediary component transforms the non-uniform output from conventional lens-based solutions into a uniform distribution while maintaining the wide divergence angle, effectively resolving the contradiction between divergence angle and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the optical system by using a diffusing layer with specific optical properties or by configuring multiple fibers with different characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both wide divergence angle and uniform light distribution simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of conventional single-fiber approaches.
2Area of moving object
If the numerical aperture of the optical fiber is increased to achieve wider divergence angle, then the divergence angle is improved, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission path by using multiple fibers or dividing the output into multiple zones. Each segment contributes to the overall uniform distribution when combined, allowing the system to achieve wide divergence angle while maintaining uniformity through the collective effect of segmented components rather than a single high-NA fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining fibers with different numerical apertures or characteristics, along with a diffusing layer. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of different components to achieve both wide divergence angle and uniform light distribution, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
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 optical fiber assembly achieves a wide divergence angle greater than 56 degrees with uniform light distribution, exceeding the limitations of conventional assemblies, facilitating improved illumination performance.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber assembly transmits light received from the light source at a divergence angle of greater than 60 degrees
Implementation Method 2
a lens that is operative to contact the transmitting end of the illuminating fiber
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 1(C)
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical fiber assembly (100) comprising a launching fiber (102) having a receiving end (101) and a transmitting end (103); an illuminating fiber (104) having a receiving end (105) and a transmitting end (107); where the receiving end (101) of the launching fiber (102) is operative to receive light from a light source and the transmitting end (103) of the launching fiber (102) is operative to transmit light to the receiving end (105) of the illuminating fiber (104); where the launching fiber (102) contacts the illuminating fiber (104) in a manner so as to be offset from a center of a cross-sectional area of the illuminating fiber (104); and where the launching fiber (102) has a diameter that is 1/8 to 1/2 of a diameter of the illuminating fiber (104); and a lens (106) that is operative to contact the transmitting end (107) of the illuminating fiber (104).