This work involves in designing and developing a POF-based directional coupler/splitter using lapping technique and geometrical blocks. Two fiber strands were first tapered at the middle and they were attached to the geometrical blocks and lapped together. Design parameters that are used to develop this coupler/splitter are core diameter, Dc, etching length, Le, bending radius, Rc, coupling length, Lc and pressure, Fc. All the parameters were taken into account during characterization and analysis of the designed coupler in order to find the most optimum prototype coupler/splitter. Characterizations are done by experimental set-up to test the efficiency, splitting ratio, coupling ratio, excess loss and insertion loss for all the couplers/splitters. Through the characterization process and analysis, the optimized coupler with high splitting ratio and low excess loss were identified. Throughout the experimental process, some of the fibers were improved and renewed in order to realize the design and development of the coupler using this technique. The device can also be utilized as an optical tap and the applications of the device are not only limited in in-house network but also in automotive applications. By using a platform, several splitting ratio can be obtained by integrating different core-cladding thickness and bending radius in order to get the desired splitting ratio and excess loss.
Part of the book: Selected Topics on Optical Fiber Technologies and Applications
Polymer Optical Fiber is opted as the most suitable medium for short haul communication system since it has lower cost and low loss for limited distance of transmission compared to glass fiber. This topic aims to show an alternative, green-technology based, economic and user-oriented communication passive device specifically a directional coupler by lapping tapered-fibers technique. This developed device is using designed geometrical blocks with integration of tapering effect, Dc, macro-bending, Rc, force exertion unto the coupling region, Fc, and etching lengths of the cores, Le to gain different splitting ratios, i.e., 50:50 and 90:10 experimentally by using the designed geometrical blocks with varied bending radii that affects the radiation of evanescent wave and to relate the integration of Couple Mode Theory and Hertz’s Law to obtain optimum coupling efficiency. The development may be an option to current device that are less user-friendly and fragile. This device is developed as a green technology-based device as an option for higher speed communication devices since the materials using in the development is safe, harmless, and inexpensive.
Part of the book: Green Computing Technologies and Computing Industry in 2021