Shared Micro-Optic Assembly for Multi-Core OFDR Strain Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OFDR-based shape sensing systems with multi-core optical fibers become complex and costly as the number of cores increases due to the need for additional discrete optical fiber components, requiring a more compact and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared optical assembly using bulk optics that combines and separates light from multiple cores with a beam splitter and polarization beam splitting prism, reducing the need for discrete components and enabling efficient strain sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete optical fiber components are used for each core in multi-core optical fiber sensing systems, then the system can achieve accurate strain sensing for each core, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly as the number of cores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete optical components (beam splitters, polarization beam splitters, collimators, detectors) that were previously required for each core into a shared optical assembly. This single assembly serves all cores simultaneously, reducing the total component count and system complexity while maintaining the ability to independently sense strain in each core through wavelength division multiplexing and polarization diversity detection
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles light from multiple cores, performs beam combining, polarization splitting, collimation, and detection all within a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate discrete components for each core, directly addressing the complexity issue while preserving measurement precision through maintained optical path integrity
2Reliability
If discrete optical fiber components are used for each core, then complete optical functionality is achieved, but the system cost increases with the number of cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete optical components into a single shared optical assembly that serves all cores. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled, directly reducing system cost while maintaining complete optical functionality through carefully designed optical paths for each core
3Measurement precision
If discrete optical components are used for each core, then sufficient light detection is achieved, but the system requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light detection paths into a single shared optical assembly where detectors receive combined light signals from multiple cores through the beam splitter and polarization beam splitter. This spatial consolidation maintains sufficient light detection capability for each core while dramatically reducing the physical footprint compared to having separate detection paths for each core
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 shared optical assembly reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining high accuracy and reliability in strain sensing, allowing for compact and efficient strain profiling of multi-core optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
A beam splitter combines light from the sensing fiber (such as light reflected from the sensing fiber) and light from the reference fiber into combined light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization beam splitting prism separates the combined light into first polarized light and second polarized light. The second polarized light is orthogonal to the first polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments include an optical assembly for an optical interrogation system having a single core or a multicore sensing fiber, a measurement fiber to couple light into the sensing fiber, and a reference fiber arranged with the measurement fiber as part of an optical interferometer. A beam splitter combines light from the sensing fiber and with light from the reference fiber. A polarization beam splitting prism separates the combined light into first polarized light and second polarized light that is orthogonal to the first polarized light. The optical assembly can substantially reduce the size, complexity, or cost associated with the traditional optical components in an optical interrogation system that it replaces. Other example optical assemblies are described. Embodiments describe optical interrogation systems using the example optical assemblies.