Thin-Film Filter Ferrules for Wavelength-Selective Fiber Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical power meters for fiber optic systems are costly and bulky, and require complex filter modules for wavelength filtering, limiting their use in field testing and offering limited wavelength selection options.
Innovation Solution
The integration of thin-film filters on ferrules within optical fiber adapters and connectors provides in-line wavelength filtering, enabling low-cost, easy-to-use apparatus with a wide range of filtering options, allowing for selective measurement of optical signals without altering the connectors or power meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter modules or tunable filters are used for wavelength filtering, then wavelength filtering capability is provided, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength filtering function from complex filter modules and implements it using simple thin-film filters deposited directly on ferrule surfaces. This separates the filtering function from the connector assembly, allowing the use of inexpensive thin-film filters instead of complex filter modules or tunable filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive thin-film filters that can be easily manufactured and replaced, substituting for expensive filter modules. The thin-film filters are deposited on ferrules using standard techniques, making them cost-effective and suitable for disposable or easily replaceable applications.
2Reliability
If filter modules or tunable filters are used for wavelength filtering, then wavelength filtering capability is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive thin-film filters that can be easily manufactured and replaced, substituting for expensive filter modules. The thin-film filters are deposited on ferrules using standard techniques, making them cost-effective and suitable for disposable or easily replaceable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wavelength filtering function from complex filter modules and implements it using simple thin-film filters deposited directly on ferrule surfaces. This separates the filtering function from the connector assembly, allowing the use of inexpensive thin-film filters instead of complex filter modules or tunable filters.
3Ease of manufacture
If generic optical power meters are used, then cost is reduced, but wavelength filtering functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes generic optical power meters multi-functional by adding thin-film filters with different wavelength characteristics to ferrules. This allows a single generic power meter to perform wavelength-selective measurements by simply changing the filtered connector, providing versatility without requiring expensive specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wavelength filtering function from the power meter itself and places it in separate replaceable connectors. This allows the power meter to remain simple and inexpensive while the filtering capability is distributed across multiple specialized connectors that can be swapped as needed.
4Reliability
If existing wavelength-selective apparatus is used, then wavelength filtering is provided, but the apparatus is bulky and unsuitable for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength filtering function directly into the connector assembly by depositing thin-film filters on ferrule surfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate filter modules or tunable filter assemblies, creating a compact apparatus that can be easily transported and used in field conditions.
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 solution reduces the cost and complexity of wavelength filtering, enabling affordable multiple filtering variations for field testing of fiber optic systems, making it suitable for field use with generic optical power meters.
Implementation Method 1
a thin-film filter provided on one of the first end or the second end of the ferrule, wherein the thin-film filter limits the wavelengths of light transmitted therethrough to within a predetermined wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber adapters and connectors are provided. An optical fiber adapter includes an adapter body, the adapter body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and comprising a first adapter portion which includes the first end and a second adapter portion which includes the second end. Each of the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion is one of a male adapter portion or a female adapter portion. The optical fiber adapter further includes a ferrule disposed within the adapter body, the ferrule extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and a thin-film filter provided on one of the first end or the second end of the ferrule, wherein the thin-film filter limits the wavelengths of light transmitted therethrough to within a predetermined wavelength range.