Uni-directional Optical Tap Detector with Angled Fiber Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tap detector devices are bulky and costly due to the use of discrete GRIN lenses and complex manufacturing processes, and they struggle to effectively reject reverse-direction optical signals without relying on material properties of opaque housings.
Innovation Solution
The optical tap detector employs fusion-spliced or butt-coupled optical fibers with angled end surfaces and a thin-film coating or refractive index mismatch to reflect a portion of the optical signal to a photo-detector, while minimizing the detection of signals traveling in the opposite direction, using a V-groove block or fiber holder for alignment and securing the fibers without fusion splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete GRIN lenses and complex manufacturing processes are used, then optical signal detection capability is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical tap function and photo-detector into a single integrated device. The optical fiber is directly coupled to the photo-detector with its active surface, eliminating the need for separate GRIN lenses and intermediate optical components. This merging reduces device size, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (discrete GRIN lenses, complex housing structures) from the optical detection system. By using direct fiber-to-photo-detector coupling, the design removes extraneous elements that contributed to size and complexity without compromising the core detection function.
2Reliability
If opaque housings with specific material properties are used, then reverse-direction signal rejection is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric optical fiber end-face geometry (angled physical contact or eccentric coupling) to achieve directional signal detection. The asymmetric configuration allows forward-direction signals to reach the photo-detector active surface while blocking reverse-direction signals, eliminating the need for complex opaque housings with specific material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific asymmetric optical path only where needed at the fiber-to-detector interface. The asymmetric coupling geometry is implemented locally at the critical detection point rather than requiring complex material properties throughout the entire housing structure, reducing overall device complexity and material costs.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective uni-directional optical tap detector that effectively monitors optical power in one direction while ignoring signals in the reverse direction, reducing manufacturing complexities and material costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical joint between the end of the first optical fiber and the end of the second optical fiber, where the photo-detector is bonded to one or both of the first and second optical fibers in an area adjacent to the optical joint. The optical joint is configured to allow light to propagate between the end of the first optical fiber and the end of the second optical fiber and to direct a portion of light propagating from the first optical fiber to be directed to the photo-detector
Implementation Method 2
The optical joint is configured to allow light to propagate between the end of the first optical fiber and the end of the second optical fiber and to direct a portion of light propagating from the first optical fiber to be directed to the photo-detector, while substantially blocking light propagating from the second optical fiber from being directed to the photo-detector
Implementation Method 3
The split-off optical signal is then directed to an optical detector device, or photo-detector, which converts the optical power to an electrical signal, from which the optical power of the signal can be determined
Data Source
AI summary
In-line uni-directional optical tap detector devices provide optical power monitoring in a small, inexpensive form factor. A pair of optical fibers with angled end surfaces are fusion-spliced or butt-coupled together, with a thin-film coating or coating stack positioned in between the two fiber end surfaces. The thin-film coating or coating stack acts as an optical tap, reflecting a small portion of the optical signal towards a photo-detector affixed to the exterior of the cladding of the fibers, positioned and angled such that the photo-detector measures the optical power of signals propagating in one direction down the fibers, while ignoring signals propagating in the opposite, or reverse direction. Alternately, a V-groove block or fiber holder is used to position and secure the fibers, without requiring fusion splicing, where the reflection of a portion of the optical signal to the photo-detector may be due to Fresnel reflection at the fiber end surfaces.