Optically Powered Fiber Sensors Using Residual Raman Pump Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed acoustic sensing systems using fiber-optic cables are less sensitive than conventional seismometers and require additional power cables, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Utilize residual Raman pump light to power extrinsic sensors over fiber-optic communication links, leveraging existing infrastructure to provide optical power and transmit sensor data without the need for metallic conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismometers are used as extrinsic fiber sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional power cables and metallic conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery function and data transmission function into a single optical fiber link. The residual Raman pump light serves dual purposes: it provides optical power to the remote sensor and simultaneously acts as the carrier for modulating sensor data back to the network node, eliminating the need for separate power cables and metallic conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber link is made multi-functional by using the residual Raman pump light for both powering the extrinsic sensor and transmitting the sensor output signal. This universal use of the existing fiber infrastructure eliminates the need for additional dedicated power delivery systems, reducing overall device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If additional power cables and metallic conductors are installed in parallel with fiber-optic cable, then power delivery to sensors is enabled, but manufacturing precision and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing Raman pump light, which is already required for signal amplification in the DWDM system, to simultaneously power the sensors. This self-service approach leverages the existing infrastructure's waste resources (residual pump light) to fulfill the additional function of power delivery without requiring external power cables or additional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber link is made multi-functional by using the residual Raman pump light for both powering the extrinsic sensor and transmitting the sensor output signal. This universal use of the existing fiber infrastructure eliminates the need for additional dedicated power delivery systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Loss of information
If a laser light source is included in the sensor module, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The residual Raman pump light acts as an intermediary carrier that transports sensor data from the remote sensor back to the network node. Instead of requiring the sensor module to generate its own light source, the system uses the existing pump light as a mediator to carry the modulated sensor signal over the fiber optic link.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing Raman pump light, which is already required for signal amplification in the DWDM system, to simultaneously power the sensors. This self-service approach leverages the existing infrastructure's waste resources (residual pump light) to fulfill the additional function of power delivery without requiring external power cables or additional infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Injected light, such as pump light, provides power to each of one or more sensor modules in an optical fiber span extending between communication nodes. Each sensor module extracts some of the injected light. Part of the extracted light is used for power. Part of the extracted light is modulated with a sensor output signal and reinjected into the fiber span.