Optical Connector Cladding Mode Light Attenuation for Connection Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In bright environments, it is difficult to confirm the connection state of optical fibers due to cladding mode light, which masks the difference in light intensity between good and bad butt-connections.

Innovation Solution

The optical connector design minimizes cladding mode light by using a standard single-mode optical fiber that attenuates cladding mode light, ensuring that most light remains within the core, allowing for clear visual confirmation of the connection state through reduced leak light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard single-mode optical fiber is used, then cladding mode light is attenuated and connection state visibility is improved, but light transmission efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state confirmation accuracyVSAvoidlight transmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a standard single-mode optical fiber specifically in the test section (between light source and optical connector) to attenuate cladding mode light, while maintaining normal optical fiber specifications in the communication section. This localized application of single-mode characteristics solves the visibility problem without compromising overall system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses excessive attenuation of cladding mode light by employing a standard single-mode fiber that is more effective than necessary, ensuring complete elimination of cladding mode interference. This partial over-engineering guarantees measurement precision while the impact on overall light transmission is minimal due to the fiber's short length in the test setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Illumination intensity

If cladding mode light is present, then light intensity is sufficient for observation, but connection state differentiation becomes difficult in bright environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensityVSAvoidconnection state detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of cladding mode light (which masks connection quality differences) into a benefit by using the single-mode fiber's natural attenuation property. The same fiber that reduces light intensity also eliminates cladding mode interference, and the remaining core light provides sufficient intensity for observation while enabling clear connection state differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical mode distribution parameter by using a single-mode fiber instead of multi-mode fiber. This parameter change selectively attenuates cladding modes while preserving core modes, transforming the light composition to achieve both adequate intensity and high measurement precision for connection state detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances the visibility of the connection state by emphasizing the difference in light intensity between good and bad connections, enabling clear confirmation even in bright conditions.

Implementation Method 1

using a standard single-mode optical fiber that attenuates cladding mode light, ensuring that most light remains within the core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCladding mode light attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2138879B1Method and apparatus for confirming optical fibers connection in optical connector

Publication Date: 2015.05.06 FUJIKURA LTD

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AI summary

Provided is a method for confirming optical fibers (2,10) connection in a connection part (P) in an optical connector (1), including: allowing light to pass through a first optical fiber (21) and allowing cladding mode light to disappear; and detecting a difference in light intensity in the connection part (P) between before and after the light from the first optical fiber (21) enters a second optical fiber (10) disposed in the optical connector.