A method of assembling coherent fiber-optic bundles in which all the fibers are packed together as closely as possible is undergoing development. The method is based straightforwardly on the established concept of hexagonal close packing; hence, the development efforts are focused on fixtures and techniques for practical implementation of hexagonal close packing of parallel optical fibers.
The figure depicts salient aspects of one such technique and fixture that may be appropriate for assembling a relatively narrow bundle in which all the fibers are known to be of the same diameter, but the diameter is not known precisely. The positions and orientations of the three blocks are adjusted to accommodate the diameter and to push the fibers together into an equilateral triangular cross section that enforces the required regular hexagonal arrangement. Once the fibers have been clamped together as shown in the upper part of the figure, the bundle and its clamping blocks could be fixed in the desired position in a housing by use of an epoxy.
This work was done by Stefan Martin, Duncan Liu, Bruce Martin Levine, Michael Shao, and James Wallace of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Manufacturing & Prototyping category. NPO-30913
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
A Method of Assembling Compact Coherent Fiber-Optic Bundles
(reference NPO-30913) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing a method for assembling compact coherent fiber-optic bundles, identified as NPO-30913. This innovation is part of the Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate aerospace-related developments with broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The document outlines the requirements for a spatial filter array, emphasizing the need for precise alignment and low birefringence in the fibers. Key specifications include maintaining a path length difference of less than λ/4 between channels, ensuring lateral alignment errors between lenses and fibers are under 0.5 μm, and limiting cladding mode power to less than 10^-6 of core power. These parameters are crucial for the effective functioning of the fiber array, particularly in applications involving high-frequency modulation and scattering from optical defects.
The document also references a potential innovation titled "Self Assembling Coherent Fiber Optic Array," which is discussed in a publication titled "Optical Planet Discoverer." This publication, authored by a team including Duncan Liu, explores how to enhance the capabilities of a 1.5-meter class space telescope for exoplanetary imaging. The research highlights the importance of coherent fiber arrays in improving the quality of optical systems used in astronomical observations.
Visual representations in the document include front and side views of a fiber array housed in a specially designed one-inch diameter casing, where the fiber array is fixed using epoxy. This design is intended to optimize the performance of the fiber optics in various applications.
Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive overview of the advancements in fiber-optic technology, particularly in the context of space exploration and imaging. It emphasizes the significance of precise engineering and innovative design in developing effective optical systems. For further inquiries or detailed information, the document provides contact details for the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL, encouraging collaboration and exploration of these technological advancements.
