Solid-to-Hollow Core Fiber Mode Converter with 4F Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fibers with solid waveguiding cores face limitations in data transmission capacity and compatibility with emerging technologies like large-scale data centers and 5G networks, and hollow core fibers are not directly compatible with existing transceiver equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device using a free-space optical system with 4F optical systems and optical amplifiers to facilitate data transmission between solid core and hollow core fibers, incorporating a multiplexer, attenuator, and supervisory channels for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hollow core fibers are used for data transmission, then data transmission capacity and performance are improved, but compatibility with existing transceiver equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mode converter as an intermediary device that bridges solid core fibers and hollow core fibers. The mode converter includes a solid core fiber input, a hollow core fiber output, and mode conversion mechanisms (such as photonic crystal structures or tapered sections) that transform the optical mode from the solid core to the hollow core, enabling compatibility between existing transceiver equipment and advanced hollow core fiber transmission systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional sections: an existing solid core fiber network portion, a mode conversion section, and a hollow core fiber transmission portion. This segmentation allows the legacy infrastructure to remain unchanged while enabling high-performance hollow core transmission in specific segments where needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid core optical fibers are used for data transmission, then compatibility with existing equipment is maintained, but data transmission capacity and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from the conventional solid core fiber dimension to the hollow core fiber dimension by introducing a mode converter. This dimensional change in the fiber structure enables superior light propagation characteristics including higher bandwidth, lower attenuation, and reduced nonlinear effects, thereby increasing data transmission capacity while maintaining interface compatibility through the conversion device
3Length of stationary object
If optical amplifiers are added to the transmission system, then signal transmission distance is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts optical modes between solid and hollow core fibers, and simultaneously serves as an integration point for optical amplifiers. The amplifier can be positioned within the mode conversion section, allowing it to amplify signals for both solid core and hollow core fiber connections through a single device configuration, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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
Enables high-power, low-loss data transmission between solid and hollow core fibers, supporting advanced applications with real-time performance supervision and fault detection.
Implementation Method 1
The first 4F optical system comprises a first diverging lens and a first converging lens. The second 4F optical system comprises a second diverging lens and second converging lens
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first 4F optical system or the second 4F optical system are free-space systems that transmit light unbounded by a waveguide
Implementation Method 3
an amplifier disposed downstream of the first 4F optical system and upstream of a second 4F optical system, where the amplifier is operative to amplify light output from the first 4F optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transmitting data from a plurality of solid core optical fibers to a hollow core fiber comprises a multiplexer; a first 4F optical system that is operative to receive the light output from the multiplexer; an amplifier disposed downstream of the first 4F optical system and upstream of a second 4F optical system, where the second 4F optical system is operative to receive amplified light output from the amplifier and output the amplified light to the hollow core fiber in a form that is compatible with the hollow core fiber.