Universal Optical Fiber Segmented Core Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical fiber connectors require multiple types for single-mode and multi-mode fiber connections, leading to increased costs and inconvenience due to the need for different stub fibers, which results in substantial connector loss and adverse multi-path interference effects.
Innovation Solution
The development of universal optical fibers with a segmented core and cladding design that matches the mode field diameter and group index difference of standard single-mode fibers for low connector loss and numerical aperture of multimode fibers for low loss connections, allowing the same connector to be used with both single-mode and multi-mode fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-mode stub fiber is used in an optical fiber connector intended to connect to single mode fibers, then connector loss is minimized for single mode connections, but the connector cannot connect to multi-mode fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple functional segments along its length: a first segment with a first core diameter optimized for single-mode operation, and a second segment with a second core diameter optimized for multi-mode operation. This segmentation allows different portions of the same fiber to serve different connection purposes, enabling the connector to interface with both single-mode and multi-mode fibers while maintaining optimal performance for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can connect to both single-mode fibers and multi-mode fibers through its segmented core structure. The fiber serves as a universal connector component that eliminates the need for separate single-mode and multi-mode stub fibers, thereby reducing connector types and improving versatility.
2Reliability
If a multi-mode stub fiber with 50 micron core diameter is used, then connector loss is minimized for multi-mode connections, but the connector cannot connect to single mode fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple functional segments along its length: a first segment with a first core diameter optimized for single-mode operation, and a second segment with a second core diameter optimized for multi-mode operation. This segmentation allows different portions of the same fiber to serve different connection purposes, enabling the connector to interface with both single-mode and multi-mode fibers while maintaining optimal performance for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can connect to both single-mode fibers and multi-mode fibers through its segmented core structure. The fiber serves as a universal connector component that eliminates the need for separate single-mode and multi-mode stub fibers, thereby reducing connector types and improving versatility.
3Reliability
If multiple different types of connectors are used for single-mode and multi-mode fiber connections, then optimal connector performance is achieved for each fiber type, but cost and inconvenience increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can connect to both single-mode fibers and multi-mode fibers through its segmented core structure. The fiber serves as a universal connector component that eliminates the need for separate single-mode and multi-mode stub fibers, thereby reducing connector types and improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of separate single-mode and multi-mode stub fibers into a single integrated optical fiber structure. By combining different core diameter segments within one fiber, the patent consolidates what were previously separate connector types into a unified solution, reducing complexity and the number of different connectors required.
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 universal optical fibers ensure low connector loss and reduced multi-path interference effects, enabling efficient connections to both single-mode and multi-mode fibers with a single connector type, thereby reducing costs and improving connection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber has a segmented core with a relative refractive index Δ1 in the range 0.3%≦Δ1≦2.5% and having a substantially step-index single-mode segment with a radius r1 in the range 2.5 μm≦r1≦5 μm and a relative refractive index Δs or Δs+Δt in the range from 0.2% to 0.4%
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber has a cladding surrounding the segmented core, the cladding having an inner cladding segment of width w in the range 5 μm≦w≦20 μm and relative refractive index Δ2, and an outer cladding segment having a relative refractive index Δ3, wherein 1.5%≦Δ2≦Δ3
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber for use as a stub fiber in an optical fiber connector is disclosed. The optical fiber is configured with a segmented core that includes a single-mode segment with a step-index profile and at least one multimode segment having at least one alpha profile. A connector that employs the stub fiber can connect to both a single mode fiber and a multimode fiber.