Optical Combiner Fiber Layout to Limit Fusion-Splice Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical combiners experience deformation in the cross section of first optical fibers due to fusion-splicing, leading to beam quality deterioration when light propagates through the combiner.
Innovation Solution
The optical combiner design includes a first optical fiber with a core and cladding made of materials with higher softening temperatures, positioned in the center of the bundle, and fusion-splicing to minimize deformation during the fusion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fusion-splicing is performed to join optical fiber bundle and second optical fiber, then connection strength and optical coupling are improved, but cross-sectional deformation of first optical fibers occurs leading to beam quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the heating temperature and duration during fusion-splicing to optimize the balance between achieving adequate connection strength and minimizing cross-sectional deformation of the optical fibers. By adjusting these thermal parameters, the invention resolves the contradiction between strong bonding and shape preservation.
2Reliability
If fusion-splicing is performed to prevent gaps between first optical fibers, then light leakage is prevented, but beam quality deteriorates due to fiber deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the fusion-splicing temperature and time parameters to achieve complete gap closure between optical fibers while minimizing thermal deformation. This resolves the contradiction between ensuring light-tight connections and maintaining fiber cross-sectional precision for beam quality.
3Reliability
If external heating is applied to form fused portion, then gaps between fibers are eliminated, but cross-sectional deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the heating temperature profile and exposure time during the fusion process. This enables complete elimination of gaps between optical fibers while minimizing thermal-induced cross-sectional deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between gap closure and shape preservation.
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
Reduces deformation in the cross section of the first optical fiber, enhancing beam quality and coupling efficiency, and minimizing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an end surface of the optical fiber bundle and an end surface of the second optical fiber are joined together by fusion-splicing
Implementation Method 2
When the fused portion is formed, the optical fiber bundle is externally heated so that the first optical fibers are each fused
Implementation Method 3
This causes a cross section of each of the first optical fibers to deform from a circular shape, which is the shape before fusion
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In an optical combiner, deformation in the cross section of a predetermined first optical fiber is reduced more than in conventional optical combiners. The optical combiner (10) includes: an optical fiber bundle (11) formed by a plurality of first optical fibers (111 to 117); and a second optical fiber (12) having a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the optical fiber bundle (11). The plurality of first optical fibers (111 to 117) include a predetermined first optical fiber (117) and the other first optical fibers (111 to 116), the predetermined first optical fiber (117) being composed of one or more materials having higher softening temperatures than one or more materials for the other first optical fibers (111 to 116).