Optical Fiber Signal Processing for Spatial Resolution and SNR Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber sensors face a trade-off between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spatial resolution due to the fixed gauge length, making it challenging to detect acoustic signals with high precision.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus that acquires a phase difference signal of backscattered light from an optical fiber sensor with a large predetermined gauge length and processes it to restore phase difference data at an arbitrary small gauge length, thereby improving spatial resolution without compromising SNR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small gauge length is used for phase difference evaluation, then spatial resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into multiple gauge sections (first gauge section and second gauge section) with different lengths. The first gauge section uses a smaller length for high spatial resolution, while the second gauge section uses a larger length for better signal-to-noise ratio. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of both high-resolution and high-SNR data from different fiber segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single gauge length measurement to multi-dimensional gauge length measurements by implementing multiple gauge sections with different lengths along the optical fiber. This dimensional expansion in the gauge length parameter space enables the system to capture both fine spatial details (small gauge) and robust signals (large gauge) simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a large gauge length is used for phase difference evaluation, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into multiple gauge sections (first gauge section and second gauge section) with different lengths. The first gauge section uses a smaller length for high spatial resolution, while the second gauge section uses a larger length for better signal-to-noise ratio. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of both high-resolution and high-SNR data from different fiber segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single gauge length measurement to multi-dimensional gauge length measurements by implementing multiple gauge sections with different lengths along the optical fiber. This dimensional expansion in the gauge length parameter space enables the system to capture both fine spatial details (small gauge) and robust signals (large gauge) simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a fixed gauge length is used in optical fiber sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different detection requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple gauge sections (first and second gauge sections) within a single optical fiber sensor system, enabling the sensor to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. The system can detect both fine spatial events (using the first gauge section) and events requiring higher signal sensitivity (using the second gauge section), making the sensor universally adaptable to various detection scenarios without requiring separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic selection and adjustment of gauge lengths by implementing multiple gauge sections with different lengths. The system can adaptively choose which gauge section to use or combine based on the specific detection requirements, transforming the fixed gauge length system into a dynamic, adaptable system that can respond to different detection scenarios.
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 apparatus effectively restores phase difference data with a small gauge length from a phase difference signal with a large gauge length, enhancing the spatial resolution and maintaining a high SNR, thus improving the detection of acoustic signals.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber sensor configured to convert dynamic distortion of an optical fiber, at a first gauge length that is a predetermined section, into a phase difference of backscattered light
Implementation Method 2
When pulsed light as probe light is incident on the optical fiber, backscattered light is generated along with propagation of the pulsed light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a signal processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a phase difference signal of backscattered light of laser light, by an optical fiber sensor configured to convert dynamic distortion of an optical fiber, at a first gauge length that is a predetermined section, into a phase difference of the backscattered light of the laser light passing through the first gauge length; and a control unit configured to perform signal processing to obtain phase difference data of the backscattered light of the laser light at a second gauge length shorter than the first gauge length, from the acquired phase difference signal of the backscattered light of the laser light.