Optical Fiber Transmission Channel Separation for Precise OTDR Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crosstalk between cores in multi-core fibers degrades the precision of monitoring using optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDR) due to crosstalk light superposed on Rayleigh scattered light, affecting the accuracy of optical fiber transmission channel monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber transmission channel configuration that includes a first optical fiber with multiple cores sharing a clad and a second optical fiber not sharing the clad, coupled by a first coupling circuit that directs return light from the first fiber's core to the second fiber's core, thereby reducing counter crosstalk and its impact on Rayleigh scattered light measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counter transmission is used to suppress crosstalk in MCF transmission, then transmission performance is improved, but monitoring precision is degraded due to crosstalk light superposition on Rayleigh scattered light
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical fiber system into two separate fibers: a first optical fiber for transmission and a second optical fiber for monitoring. By segmenting the transmission and monitoring functions into separate physical fibers, the crosstalk affecting monitoring precision is eliminated while maintaining the benefits of counter transmission for suppressing crosstalk in the transmission fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a coupling circuit as an intermediary component that connects the first optical fiber (transmission) and the second optical fiber (monitoring). This intermediary allows the monitoring light to be transmitted through a separate fiber path, preventing crosstalk light from the transmission fiber from superposing on the Rayleigh scattered light used for monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If monitoring light is transmitted through the same core in MCF, then monitoring function is achieved, but crosstalk light from adjacent cores degrades measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the monitoring function into a separate second optical fiber that does not share a clad with the first optical fiber. This physical separation ensures that monitoring light travels through an isolated fiber, preventing crosstalk from adjacent cores in the first fiber from interfering with the Rayleigh scattered light measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit acts as an intermediary that transfers the monitoring signal from the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber. This intermediary mechanism allows the monitoring function to be maintained while using a separate fiber path that is immune to crosstalk from the transmission fiber.
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 configuration enhances the precision of optical fiber transmission channel monitoring by minimizing the noise from crosstalk, allowing for more accurate analysis of Rayleigh scattered light using OTDR devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber transmission channel includes a first optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
measuring Rayleigh scattered light generated by the monitoring light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber transmission channel includes: a first optical fiber configured to include a plurality of cores sharing a clad; a second optical fiber configured not to share a clad with the first optical fiber; and a first coupling circuit configured to couple a core of the first optical fiber to a core of the second optical fiber, wherein the coupling circuit couples return light of first light propagating through a core of the first optical fiber to a core of the second optical fiber as second light.