Wavelength Conversion Material for Optical Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for alternative optical systems and methods to determine the presence or absence of an optical signal at a subscriber location, which can help in quickly isolating network issues and reducing troubleshooting time and costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical systems that incorporate a wavelength conversion material to detect the presence or lack of an optical signal during network diagnostic tests. This material converts the communication wavelength of the optical signal to a detection wavelength, allowing users to perform diagnostic tests without technicians, using smart devices like mobile phones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If optical signal detection is performed using conventional methods, then technicians are required to perform diagnostic tests, but this increases troubleshooting time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetroubleshooting timeVSAvoiduser ability to perform diagnostic tests

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables end-users to perform optical signal detection themselves using a wavelength conversion material that converts invisible communication wavelengths to visible detection wavelengths. Users can simply place the material in the optical path and observe color changes or use smartphone cameras to detect the converted light, eliminating the need for technician intervention in basic diagnostic tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength conversion material acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the invisible optical communication signal and human-visible detection. By converting the communication wavelength to a detection wavelength that can be seen by humans or captured by smartphone cameras, it enables users without specialized equipment to perform diagnostics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wavelength conversion material is used to convert communication wavelength to detection wavelength, then users can perform diagnostic tests without technicians, but this requires additional material and setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to perform diagnostic testsVSAvoiddiagnostic test setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion material is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that users can easily obtain and use. After a single diagnostic test, the material can be discarded, eliminating the need for complex, reusable diagnostic equipment. This reduces both the cost and complexity barriers for user-performed diagnostics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If optical signal presence is to be detected by users, then the optical signal wavelength must be converted to visible spectrum, but this requires wavelength conversion material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal detection accuracyVSAvoidwavelength conversion requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from the invisible communication spectrum to the visible detection spectrum through the wavelength conversion material. This parameter transformation enables human vision and smartphone camera detection while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the original optical signal information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables users to quickly and easily determine the operational status of optical communication links, reducing the need for technician intervention and streamlining troubleshooting processes.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength conversion material positioned within an optical path of the optical signal emitted by an end of the at least one optical fiber, where the wavelength conversion material converts the communication wavelength of the optical signal to a detection wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250141549A1Optical systems having a wavelength conversion material for optical signal detection

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, an optical system includes an optical cable assembly includes an optical cable includes at least one optical fiber and an optical connector positioned on an end of the optical cable, where the at least one optical fiber is operable to propagate an optical signal having a communication wavelength, and a wavelength conversion material positioned within an optical path of the optical signal emitted by an end of the at least one optical fiber, where the wavelength conversion material converts the communication wavelength of the optical signal to a detection wavelength.