Optical Fiber Bundle Structure for Multicore Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting multicore fibers with single-core fibers or optical elements face challenges in achieving precise dimension accuracy and handling due to variations in hole diameter and pitch in multi-hole capillaries, making it difficult to maintain the required dimension accuracy and handle thin optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber bundle structure comprising signal light optical fibers and dummy fibers of the same diameter, arranged in a close-packed configuration within a capillary with optimized hole dimensions, allowing for precise alignment and connection with multicore fibers or lattice-shaped core arrangements, eliminating the need for multi-hole capillaries and enabling efficient fan-out mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multi-hole capillary is used to hold optical fibers, then the optical fibers can be arranged at predetermined positions, but the hole diameter and pitch variations (±2 to 3 μm) prevent achieving the required dimension accuracy (±1 μm or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle is divided into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) with different lengths, where each group contains optical fibers with specific functions (signal transmission, dummy). This segmentation allows precise control of fiber positions and lengths without relying on multi-hole capillary precision, achieving the required ±1 μm or less dimension accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary substance to fix the optical fibers in place. The resin fills the spaces between fibers and hardens to provide stable positioning, eliminating the need for precise multi-hole capillary fabrication while maintaining reliable fiber arrangement.
2Length of moving object
If the pitch of cores in multicore fiber is narrowed to approximately 40 to 50 μm to accommodate bending constraints, then the fiber outer diameter can be kept small, but the required wall thickness of 20 μm between capillary holes makes the hole diameter only 20 to 30 μm, which is too thin for handling
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle is segmented into multiple groups with different lengths (first group with length L1, second group with length L2, third group with length L3 where L1 > L2 > L3). This segmentation allows the use of thicker, more handleable fibers while maintaining the required small outer diameter through optimized bundle structure, resolving the contradiction between compact size and ease of handling.
Data Source
AI summary
This optical fiber connection structure connects a multicore fiber and a bundle structure bundling a plurality of optical fibers. The multicore fiber has a plurality of cores arranged in a lattice. The bundle structure includes closely packed optical fibers of the same diameter. The bundle structure is configured such that signal light optical fiber groups including signal light optical fibers and a dummy fiber group including dummy optical fibers are stacked in multiple layers. The signal light optical fiber groups are configured with the signal light optical fibers aligned in the mutually contacting direction. The signal light optical fiber groups and the dummy fiber group are stacked orthogonal to the alignment direction of the optical fibers constituting the respective fiber groups.