Optical Amplification Repeater for Fiber Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing method for an optical cable system with an optical amplification repeater device to also have an optical fiber sensing function, particularly for remotely measuring vibration or temperature sensed by an optical fiber cable.
Innovation Solution
A cable system that includes a plurality of optical fibers for optical fiber sensing and an optical amplification repeater device to compensate for transmission loss, where probe light is transmitted through one optical fiber and backscattered light is received and analyzed at least to one end of the cable. The system uses different wavelength bands for communication and sensing signals and includes a bidirectional optical amplification unit with separate amplifiers for each direction of light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an optical amplification repeater device is inserted in the optical cable to compensate for transmission loss, then the communication distance is extended, but the sensing function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplification repeater device is segmented into separate functional units: a first optical amplifier for amplifying communication optical signals and a second optical amplifier for amplifying sensing optical signals. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be optimized for its specific function while operating within the same cable system, thereby maintaining both extended communication distance and sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical amplifiers are provided with different local qualities - the first optical amplifier is configured for communication signals while the second optical amplifier is configured for sensing signals. This local differentiation enables the system to simultaneously support both communication and sensing functions without interference, resolving the contradiction between extending communication distance and maintaining sensing functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used for both communication and sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplification repeater device segments the signal processing functions by providing separate optical amplifiers for communication and sensing signals. Even though a single optical fiber is used for both purposes, the segmentation of amplification functions prevents signal interference and maintains system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate optical amplifiers act as intermediaries that selectively amplify their respective signal types. The first optical amplifier serves as an intermediary for communication signals while the second optical amplifier serves as an intermediary for sensing signals, thereby preventing direct interference between the two signal types in the shared optical fiber.
3Length of moving object
If optical amplification is applied to extend sensing range, then the sensing distance is increased, but the transmission loss compensation is insufficient for very long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplification repeater device segments the amplification function into two independent optical amplifiers that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for precise control of amplification levels at different positions along the optical cable, enabling effective transmission loss compensation over extended sensing distances without excessive energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplification system provides dynamic control over signal amplification by independently managing the first and second optical amplifiers. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying transmission loss conditions over different sensing distances, maintaining sufficient signal strength even at very long distances while managing energy loss effectively.
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 enables the extension of the sensing range through the application of an optical amplification repeater device to an optical fiber sensing system, allowing for the coexistence of long-distance optical communication and optical fiber sensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplification repeater device that compensates for transmission loss including loss in the optical fibers... an optical amplification unit included in the optical amplification repeater device, the optical amplification unit performing amplification and repeating of light transmitted through the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a method of subjecting Rayleigh backscattered light generated in an optical fiber to signal processing and sophisticated analysis... backscattered light that is related to the probe light and arrives from the optical fiber is received and analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
To apply an optical amplification repeater device to optical fiber sensing to lengthen a sensing range, as well as to enable compatibility with an optical communication system a cable system that uses a cable for optical fiber communication and optical fiber sensing of an environment surrounding the cable, wherein: the optical fiber communication is bidirectional communication using optical fiber pairs which are pairs of the optical fiber; in an optical fiber, a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band are different from each other; an optical amplification unit included in the optical amplification repeater device includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier that amplify rays of light in mutually opposing directions; and each of the communication optical signal, the probe light, and the backscattering light is amplified by at least either the first amplifier or the second amplifier.