Optical Fiber Sensing With Switches for Bidirectional Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber sensing technologies cannot perform bidirectional sensing in relay optical fibers with unidirectional propagation due to the use of optical isolators, limiting the measurement of backscattered light in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a path selection optical switch and optical circulators into the communication network to separate and measure backscattered light from communication light, allowing bidirectional sensing using optical fibers with different communication directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical isolator is used to restrict unidirectional transmission in a relay optical fiber, then the reliability of communication light transmission is improved, but the ability to perform optical fiber sensing bidirectionally deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into two separate fibers: one dedicated to communication light transmission and another dedicated to optical fiber sensing. This segmentation allows each fiber to perform its specific function independently, with the communication fiber using unidirectional optical isolators for reliability while the sensing fiber can accept bidirectional backscattered light for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a path selection optical switch as an intermediary device that couples the communication optical fiber and the sensing optical fiber. This switch enables the system to selectively connect the test light source to the appropriate fiber and route backscattered light to the correct detection path, allowing both unidirectional communication and bidirectional sensing to coexist without interference.
2Productivity
If test light is injected into an optical fiber with unidirectional propagation restriction, then the communication function is maintained, but the backscattered light measurement for sensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates communication and sensing functions into distinct optical fibers. The communication fiber maintains unidirectional propagation for high-speed data transmission, while the sensing fiber is configured to receive backscattered light from both directions, enabling comprehensive environmental sensing without compromising communication productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path selection optical switch acts as a mediator that directs test light to the appropriate fiber and routes backscattered light to the correct detection path. This intermediary enables the system to maintain communication productivity while achieving precise bidirectional backscattered light measurement for environmental monitoring.
3Device complexity
If optical fiber sensing is performed using backscattered light in a relay optical fiber with unidirectional propagation, then the communication network infrastructure is utilized, but the sensing coverage is limited to one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical fiber network into communication fibers and sensing fibers. The sensing fiber is specifically designed to capture backscattered light from multiple directions, expanding sensing coverage beyond the limitations of unidirectional propagation while leveraging the existing relay optical fiber infrastructure for communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The path selection optical switch serves as an intermediary that enables comprehensive sensing coverage by routing backscattered light from both directions to the detection system. This allows the sensing system to monitor environmental conditions along the entire length of the optical fiber in both directions, significantly improving sensing coverage while utilizing the existing network infrastructure.
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
Enables effective optical fiber sensing by separating and measuring backscattered light without causing loss, even with unidirectional communication light propagation, facilitating simultaneous communication and sensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical test device for emitting test light and receiving backscattered light caused by scattering the test light in an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a first optical circulator inserted into the optical fiber targeted for measurement, and executes an optical fiber sensing method
Implementation Method 3
the path selection optical switch is activated for separating the backscattered light from the communication network
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, provided is an optical fiber sensing system including: a path selection optical switch; an optical test device; and a first optical circulator inserted into an optical fiber targeted for measurement, in which in a situation where communication light goes toward the path selection optical switch, the first optical circulator is utilized for getting the test light entering the optical fiber targeted for measurement, and the path selection optical switch is activated for separating the backscattered light from the communication network, and in a situation where the communication light goes from the path selection optical switch, the path selection optical switch is activated for getting the test light, from the optical test device, entering the optical fiber targeted for measurement, and the first optical circulator is utilized for separating the backscattered light from the communication network.