Spatial-mode optical power measurement for SDM fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring optical powers and transmission losses in spatial division multiplexing (SDM) optical fibers are inefficient and prone to measurement errors due to the need for repeated cutback operations and changes in connection loss, which increase measurement time and introduce inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that modulate light signals using different conditions, input them into an SDM fiber, and collectively receive output signals to analyze optical powers for each spatial mode without distinguishing between them, allowing for efficient and accurate measurement of optical powers and transmission losses by performing the measurements twice with varying fiber lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cutback method is used to measure transmission loss for each spatial mode, then measurement can be performed, but measurement time increases and connection loss changes introduce errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by simultaneously measuring multiple spatial modes through parallel optical paths instead of sequential measurement. The optical power is divided and distributed to multiple spatial modes, allowing concurrent measurement of transmission losses for all modes without repeated cutback operations, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing multiple optical paths and preparing the measurement system before actual measurement. The optical power is pre-distributed to multiple spatial modes through a splitter, and the measurement apparatus is pre-configured to simultaneously detect all modes, eliminating the need for repeated setup and cutback operations during measurement.
2Measurement precision
If repeated cutback operations are performed to measure optical power, then transmission loss can be calculated, but connection loss changes introduce measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single simultaneous measurement process. By combining the measurement of multiple spatial modes into one optical path configuration, the system eliminates repeated connection changes and cutback operations that cause connection loss variations, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability of optical power measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the optical measurement system in a stable, continuous state during measurement. Instead of interrupting the measurement process for repeated cutback operations and connection reconfiguration, the system continuously measures optical power across all spatial modes simultaneously, ensuring measurement reliability by avoiding connection loss changes.
3Measurement precision
If individual spatial modes are measured separately using traditional methods, then transmission loss can be determined, but measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a measurement system that can simultaneously measure all spatial modes through a single optical path configuration. The splitter distributes optical power to multiple spatial modes, and the measurement apparatus detects all modes concurrently, making the system multi-functional and capable of measuring multiple parameters (transmission loss for each mode) in one operation, thereby significantly improving measurement efficiency.
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
This approach significantly reduces measurement time and minimizes errors by eliminating the need for repeated cutback operations and optimizing crosstalk suppression, enabling highly accurate optical power and transmission loss measurements for multiple spatial modes.
Implementation Method 1
optical power of the output signals collectively received is converted into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
Light output from a light source is distributed to intensity modulators that are associated with different spatial modes and that have different modulation conditions. An operation for receiving modulated light from each of the intensity modulators is performed for SDM fibers of different lengths while the light source is in operation, and pieces of optical power information are determined for respective spatial modes to be measured, from difference information regarding the lengths and the received optical powers.