PM Fiber Splicing Alignment Using Dual Rotation Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning polarization maintaining fibers during splicing are inefficient and require costly or complex illumination setups, and are not agnostic to the type of fiber being used.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for aligning polarization axes of polarization maintaining fibers using a single device that utilizes a first and second rotation stage with oblique light sources and a reflector to capture emission faces with a single image sensor, allowing for precise alignment without the need for precise laser alignment and accommodating various fiber types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polarization maintaining fibers are spliced using conventional fusion splicing, then the splicing process is simple and fast, but the splice loss is high and polarization extinction ratio is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the polarization axes of the PM fibers using a polarization controller before splicing. This preliminary alignment ensures that the fast axis of one fiber matches the fast axis of the other fiber, thereby minimizing splice loss and maximizing polarization extinction ratio. The polarization controller is adjusted to optimize the polarization state prior to the actual splicing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarization controller as an intermediary device between the PM fibers and the splicing point. This intermediary component enables precise control and alignment of the polarization states, facilitating low-loss splicing while maintaining device simplicity. The polarization controller acts as a mediator that prepares the fibers for optimal splicing conditions.
2Measurement precision
If alignment is performed manually under microscope, then polarization alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically monitor and adjust polarization alignment without continuous operator intervention. The monitoring device provides real-time feedback on polarization alignment status, and the polarization controller can be automatically adjusted based on this feedback, reducing dependence on operator skill and minimizing alignment time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using a monitoring device to continuously measure the polarization alignment status and provide information back to the operator or control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of the alignment, ensuring high precision while reducing the time required compared to manual trial-and-error methods. The feedback loop allows for rapid adjustments and verification of alignment quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If special alignment tools and procedures are used, then splicing quality is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a splicing system that integrates multiple functions into a unified platform. The system combines the polarization controller, monitoring device, and fusion splicer into a multi-functional apparatus that can perform alignment monitoring, polarization control, and splicing operations. This integrated approach maintains high splicing quality while simplifying the overall operation compared to using separate specialized tools.
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 system enables efficient and precise alignment of polarization maintaining fibers with a wide tolerance range, reducing alignment time and cost by using a single image sensor to capture both emission faces simultaneously, facilitating faster and more accurate splicing.
Implementation Method 1
conventional fusion splicers melt and join fiber ends together
Implementation Method 2
a polarization controller is connected to an input port of the PM fiber assembly under test and is used to control the polarization state of light passing through the assembly
Implementation Method 3
an optical spectrum analyzer is connected to an output port of the PM fiber assembly under test
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments and methods relating to an optical fiber alignment and splicing system are described herein. The optical fiber alignment and splicing system includes a first rotation stage having a first central axis, a first end, and a second end, and a second rotation stage having a second central axis, a third end, and a fourth end. The first central axis extends from the first end to the second end of the first rotation stage, and the second central axis extends from the third end to the fourth end. The first rotation stage includes a first optical fiber channel extending from the first end of the first rotation stage to the second end of the first rotation stage, and the second rotation stage includes a second optical fiber channel extending from the third end of the second rotation stage to the fourth end of the second rotation stage.