Optical Fiber Core Profile Zones for Low-Loss Fiber Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fibers have constant core profiles, leading to issues like core and index mismatches during connections, high signal reflection, and inefficient production of specialty fibers, resulting in increased costs and waste due to standard length limitations.
Innovation Solution
The cyclic core variance process/method varies the core profile cyclically along the optical fiber length, with transition zones between each profile zone, allowing for custom fabrication of optical devices with varying core diameters and structures, enabling continuous production of discrete lengths tailored to user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional optical fiber with constant core profile is used, then long continuous runs can be produced at acceptable cost, but core and index mismatches occur during connections leading to high insertion loss and signal reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating transition zones with gradually varying core diameters and index profiles between different fiber sections. Instead of abrupt changes, the core profile is locally modified in transition regions to match impedance between fibers of different types (e.g., OM1 to OM3), reducing insertion loss and reflection at connection points while maintaining constant core profiles in the main fiber sections for efficient long-distance transmission.
2Productivity
If standard length optical fiber is produced, then continuous production is efficient, but end users are forced to purchase entire runs resulting in increased costs and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by producing a single continuous optical fiber containing multiple distinct sections with different core profiles (single-mode, multi-mode, different core diameters) and varying lengths within one preform. This allows the fiber to be cut into various custom lengths and configurations after production, enabling users to obtain exactly the length needed without wasting the remainder, while maintaining efficient continuous production during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional optical fiber that can serve multiple purposes within a single product. The fiber contains sections suitable for different applications (single-mode for long-haul, multi-mode for short-distance, different core diameters for various connector types) all in one continuous run, allowing it to replace multiple separate fiber products and reducing the need for users to purchase standardized lengths they don't need.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialty optical fibers with custom core sizes and profiles are fabricated, then user-specific requirements are met, but production time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple specialty fiber sections into a single continuous preform that can be produced in one manufacturing run. Different core profile sections (single-mode, multi-mode, various core diameters) are integrated sequentially within one preform structure, allowing all these specialty configurations to be manufactured together rather than separately, significantly reducing production time and cost while maintaining full customization capability for different user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical fiber and a method of fabricating an optical fiber. The method includes providing an optical fiber, the optical fiber defining a length having a proximal end and a distal end. The optical fiber includes a first core profile zone defining a first core diameter, and a second core profile zone defining a second core diameter different from the first core diameter. The optical fiber includes a first transition zone connecting the first core profile zone to the second core profile zone. The first core profile zone, the second core profile zone, and the first transition zone are formed as a single, continuous fiber.