Reduced-Diameter Optical Fiber Cladding for Low Leakage Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fibers face challenges in high attenuation, micro-bending losses, and complex manufacturing processes, particularly in single-mode fibers, which hinder high-speed communication networks due to issues like leakage losses and diameter limitations.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber design with a cladding structure comprising a peripheral cladding layer having a specific refractive index and thickness, along with an undoped intermediate cladding, optimized to reduce leakage loss and bend losses, while maintaining a reduced diameter and improved mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the effective area of the fiber is increased to reduce fiber nonlinearity, then fiber nonlinearity is reduced, but micro-bending losses and macro-bending losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a trench region with a specific refractive index profile localized around the core-cladding interface. This trench region has a refractive index that is lower than both the core and the outer cladding, creating a localized structural feature that simultaneously reduces fiber nonlinearity and suppresses bending losses without requiring a uniform change in the entire fiber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different refractive index regions within the cladding structure. Specifically, it uses a core region, an intermediate cladding region, and an outer cladding region with progressively lower refractive indices, creating a composite structure that optimizes both nonlinearity and bending loss characteristics through the interaction of these different material regions.
2Productivity
If the diameter of the optical fiber is reduced to increase packing density, then packing density is improved, but leakage losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a trench region with a specific refractive index profile localized at the core-cladding interface. This localized structural modification creates a potential well that confines light more effectively, preventing leakage losses even as the overall fiber diameter is reduced to increase packing density in high-speed communication networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediate cladding region as a mediator between the core and the outer cladding. This intermediate region has a refractive index that is higher than the outer cladding but lower than the core, acting as a transition zone that guides light away from the outer cladding interface and prevents leakage, thereby enabling reduced diameter without compromising signal integrity.
3Loss of energy
If complex cladding structures with multiple layers and trenches are implemented to reduce losses, then leakage loss and bend loss are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cladding structure into distinct functional regions: an intermediate cladding region and an outer cladding region, with a trench located between them. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and managing manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the refractive index, thickness, and position of different cladding regions and the trench. By optimizing these parameters (e.g., setting the trench depth, outer cladding thickness, and refractive index profiles), the patent achieves reduced leakage and bend losses while controlling manufacturing complexity through defined parameter ranges and tolerances.
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 design achieves low attenuation, reduced leakage and micro-bending losses, and enhanced mechanical strength, enabling efficient high-speed communication with improved packing density and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a cladding structure comprising a peripheral cladding layer having a specific refractive index and thickness
Implementation Method 2
cladding structure comprising a peripheral cladding layer having a specific refractive index and thickness, along with an undoped intermediate cladding
Implementation Method 3
optical fibers are disposed within the optical fiber cable. Fiber optic cables include one or more optical fibers or other optical waveguides that conduct optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fiber (100) having a core (102) extending along a central axis (101) and a cladding (104 surrounding the core (102). In particular, the cladding (104) includes a peripheral cladding layer (104d) defined by predefined peripheral thickness, and a fifth refractive index (n5). The fifth refractive index (n5) is less than a refractive index of pure silica. Further, the optical fiber (100) has leakage loss of less than or equal to 0.003 decibel per kilometer (dB/Km) at a wavelength 1550 nano meter (nm).