Subsurface Scattering Centers for Fiber Cladding Light Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing cladding light from optical fibers, such as CO2 laser notching, weaken the fiber, create contamination sites, and are challenging for fibers with internal glass cladding, and require vacuuming to prevent silicosis.
Innovation Solution
Formation of subsurface induced scattering centers within the optical fiber using focused laser pulses to scatter cladding light without damaging the fiber surface, maintaining strength and eliminating contamination risks, and allowing for deeper penetration without vacuuming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 laser notching is used to remove cladding light, then cladding light is removed, but the fiber strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/material removal approach of CO2 laser notching with an optical field-based approach using ultrashort pulse laser-induced scattering centers. Instead of physically altering the fiber structure through ablation, the invention uses focused optical energy to create localized refractive index changes that scatter cladding light, thereby maintaining fiber mechanical integrity while achieving cladding light removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light-matter interaction from thermal ablation (CO2 laser) to nonlinear optical absorption and refractive index modification (ultrashort pulse laser). By using ultrashort pulses with high peak power and short duration, the process creates localized scattering centers through optical field effects rather than thermal mechanical removal, preserving fiber strength while removing cladding light.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 laser notching is used to remove cladding light, then cladding light is removed, but contamination sites are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the material removal process that generates silica dust with an optical field-based scattering mechanism. By using ultrashort pulse lasers to create refractive index modifications rather than physical ablation, the process eliminates the generation of contamination particles while still achieving cladding light removal through scattering effects.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 laser notching is used on fibers with internal glass cladding, then cladding light removal is attempted, but the process becomes challenging and requires vacuuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex thermal ablation process requiring vacuum systems with a direct optical field interaction method. The ultrashort pulse laser creates scattering centers through nonlinear optical effects that work effectively on internal glass cladding without generating dust, eliminating the need for vacuuming equipment and simplifying the overall process.
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 subsurface induced scattering centers effectively remove cladding light without weakening the fiber, reducing the risk of breaks and contamination, and eliminate the need for vacuuming, providing a more durable and efficient method for cladding light stripping.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers formed in the optical element, wherein the plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers scatter light passing through the optical element
Implementation Method 2
focusing, by a device, emitted laser pulses on a plurality of subsurface locations within an optical element to form a subsurface induced scattering center at each of the plurality of subsurface locations
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element may include a plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers formed in the optical element, where the plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers scatter light passing through the optical element. In some implementations, the plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers may form a scattering region in the optical element. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of subsurface induced scattering centers may spatially vary transmission of light through the optical element. The optical element may be an optical waveguide, a bulk optic, and/or the like.