Optical Terminal Module Jacket Tube Refractive Index Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical input/output terminal modules face issues with damage from leaked light in the cladding due to refractive index mismatches and high optical power densities, leading to coupling efficiency losses and potential fiber damage.
Innovation Solution
A light input/output terminal module design that integrates a jacket tube with a refractive index matching the cladding, combined with a coreless fiber fusion-spliced to the optical fiber, effectively redirects and dissipates leaked light, reducing optical power density and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical terminal modules are used, then optical power transmission is achieved, but leaked light in the cladding causes fiber coating damage and coupling efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
A jacket tube with refractive index matching the cladding is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber cladding and the external environment. This jacket tube serves as a mediator that redirects leaked light away from the fiber coating, preventing damage while maintaining optical performance. The jacket tube's refractive index matching enables effective light redirection without causing additional reflection or scattering losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful leaked light is extracted from the cladding mode by redirecting it into the jacket tube. By providing an alternative path for the leaked light through the jacket tube, the harmful energy that would otherwise damage the fiber coating is removed from the dangerous trajectory and safely directed to the jacket tube's outer surface for dissipation.
2Power
If high optical power is transmitted, then transmission capacity increases, but optical power density at fiber ends causes damage through absorption by dust and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The leaked light carrying high optical power is extracted from the cladding and redirected into the jacket tube before it can be absorbed by dust or defects at the fiber end. This extraction prevents the conversion of optical energy to heat at critical locations, eliminating the harmful thermal effects that would cause fiber fuse or component damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaked light, which would normally be harmful, is redirected to serve a protective function. By channeling the leaked light into the jacket tube, the potentially damaging energy is converted into a protective mechanism that shields the fiber coating and end components from thermal damage while maintaining the high power transmission capability.
3Reliability
If coreless fiber is fusion-spliced to broaden beam diameter, then coupling efficiency improves, but additional fusion splicing process increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The beam diameter parameter is changed by introducing a coreless fiber section with a larger diameter than the original optical fiber. This parameter change broadens the beam at the output end, improving coupling efficiency to subsequent optical components. The coreless fiber acts as a beam expanding element while maintaining optical continuity through fusion splicing.
4Loss of energy
If jacket tube is integrally fusion-bonded to cladding, then leaked light removal improves, but heat treatment process increases manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket tube is attached to the cladding through a phase transition process involving heat treatment. The heat treatment temporarily changes the physical state of the materials, enabling fusion bonding between the jacket tube and cladding. After cooling, a strong integral bond is formed that enables effective leaked light removal through the fusion-bonded interface.
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 solution enhances the removal of leaked light, reduces optical power density at the fiber end, and lowers the risk of fiber damage, improving coupling efficiency and extending the lifespan of optical components.
Implementation Method 1
A light input/output terminal module design that integrates a jacket tube with a refractive index matching the cladding
Implementation Method 2
combined with a coreless fiber fusion-spliced to the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A light input/output terminal module 100 comprises a jacket tube 110 and a flange 120. A glass portion 20 of the optical fiber is inserted in the center portion thereof. To efficiently remove the leaked light in a cladding 22 to the jacket tube 110, the jacket tube 110 is made of silica glass or the same material as that of the cladding 22. The jacket tube 110 is fixed by fusion splicing or adhesion to the cladding so as to integrally unify the jacket tube 110 and the cladding 22. The beam diameter at the fiber end portion is enlarged by an optical component which fusion bonds the tip end of the optical fiber to the coreless fiber so that the optical power density at the light input/output terminal module is reduced.