How to Use a 64-Femtofiber Array in Optical Sensing Systems
Often, it is necessary to split a single data signal into multiple outputs. One method of doing so is by using a fiber array.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide new connector apparatus, tools and methods for assembling such large element number arrays. It also provides a new method of manufacturing such arrays more efficiently and effectively.
Optical Performance
A 64-fiber-array can be used to improve the performance of 64-fiber-array several optical sensing applications. For example, it can be used for interferometric sensing to measure physical quantities such as temperature, strain, bending and vibration. It can also be used to enhance the sensitivity of photoacoustic imaging systems. It is able to achieve high spatial resolution and provides excellent sensitivity and a wide bandwidth.
One challenge to fiber array fabrication is the precise positioning of individual optical fibers within the V groove on a PIC chip. This is especially important when the output of the fibers is collimated with a lens array. This is because the position of the optical fibers influences the direction of the collimated beam. To ensure that the output of a single optical channel is highly coherent, it is necessary to accurately align the positioning of each optical fiber with the position of the lens array.
To overcome this problem, Broadex Technologies developed a new manufacturing technique called Optical Fiber Coupling Element (OFCE). This technology uses a precision assembly and polish process to achieve an extremely accurate fiber core position with ultra fine surface finish. This allows the SiPh Fiber Array to be passively aligned into the wafer-fabricated V grooves on the Silicon PIC without the need for expensive and complicated active alignment equipment.
The OFCE is also able to eliminate the need for monitoring the input optical power, which can significantly reduce the cost of the system. It is also more reliable than a traditional bare fiber pigtail. The OFCE is able to pass optical aging and thermal cycles with no significant element fiber displacement. In addition, it can resist the effects of bending and vibration.
Thermal Performance
The thermal performance of fiber-array elements is critical for holographic beam steering. The fraction of pump power turned into heat within the fiber core depends on the precise kinetics of the system, and heat dissipation needs to be taken into account at any kilowatt level. This heat dissipation can occur by convective and radiative mechanisms.
To reduce interface reflection, a layer of anti-reflection coating was deposited on the array facet. The resulting surface appears pink in the optical photo of the unpackaged fiber array (see Figure S1(a)). Sixteen element fibers were fixed to this V-groove block using low-expansion glue. They were numbered from left to right and labeled P1…P16. The packaged array exhibited no significant aging or element-fiber displacement after several thermal cycles.
In addition, the fiber end-face of the array was metallized to prevent it from being damaged by handling and vibration. The metallization also improves the adherence of the glue to the bare fiber ends. The metallization was applied using standard UV lithography and lift-off techniques.
The final result is a fiber-array system that meets the capacity and crosstalk requirements of the holographic holographic beam-steering application. This is a promising method for producing multi-channel carbon fiber electrode arrays, which have lower impedance and fewer traumatic effects than metal wires in the CNS. In addition, carbon fibers are more flexible and have a lower immune response than silicon electrodes.
Noise Performance
DAS systems are typically characterized by high levels of channel noise. This is due to sensor-coupling noise and photonic fading. However, it can be reduced through proper design. This is possible by using closely spaced virtual sensors and minimizing the distance between them. Ideally, the virtual sensors should be separated by a length equal to or less than the gauge length of the seismic fiber. This will reduce the sensitivity to directional seismic waves.
Directional sensitivity in DAS is affected by three factors: the spatial layout of virtual sensors, cable directivity, and gauge length averaging. In this study, a unified framework is developed to take these three effects into account and assess the performance of DAS arrays. This framework utilizes well-established array signal processing techniques.
The steered response of the DAS system is defined as the summation of the steering vector and the array transfer function (or wavenumber-frequency response), which can be described by a discrete spatial Fourier transform of the sensor location matrix and the plane wave slowness. This quantity, also referred to as the array resolution, describes the array’s capability to resolve two nearby sources.
The steered responses of the NORES DAS arrays are displayed in Figure 10. The triangle layout exhibits poor mainlobe-to-sidelobe ratios for directions of arrival perpendicular to the axis of the triangle legs. The spiral layout, on the other hand, shows a good mainlobe-to-sidelobe performance for all slowness ranges and directions of arrival.
Cost
A 64-fiber-array can be used in various applications, from beam combining to laser material processing. Its flexibility and high damage threshold make it an ideal manufacturing fiber optic passive components choice for optical signal amplification and transmission. It is also useful for laser brain imaging, where it can record multiple brain regions simultaneously, providing high-resolution, spatial optical data.
A fiber array is a device that contains a number of linear or two-dimensional optical fibers, often placed in V-shaped grooves on a substrate. These devices can be made using a variety of methods, such as V-groove chips or drilled holes. The former option is the more expensive, but it offers advantages such as high packing density and a hermetic seal. However, the process of inserting the fibers into these grooves can be challenging and requires careful alignment.
HYC offers precision one-dimensional (V-Groove) and two-dimensional (2D) fiber arrays to meet your specific needs. They are fabricated with a unique assembly and polishing process that provides an extremely accurate fiber core position and a highly polished surface. They also offer low insertion loss and return loss, and are available in single mode, multimode, and polarization-maintaining fiber. Their core spacing and dimensions are also customizable to suit your application. In addition, these arrays are RoHS compliant and meet Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE standards.
