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Fiber Array Prototype and Mass Production (view source)
Revision as of 14:30, 7 May 2010
, 14:30, 7 May 2010→Fiber Splicing
*Extensive research into the optical properties of polystyrene have been performed. Specifically, we need to know at what wavelengths polystyrene absorbs light most efficiently. The suppliers of the optical fibers has absorption information for wavelengths ranging from 400-800nm. To supplement this data we found two articles that each studied the spectral absorption of polystyrene. Fitting this information together we were able to obtain the following plot of how each wavelength penetrates until it reaches extinction.[[File:waveABSRB.jpg|center|400px]]
*Extensive research into the optical properties of polystyrene have been performed. Specifically, we need to know at what wavelengths polystyrene absorbs light most efficiently. The suppliers of the optical fibers has absorption information for wavelengths ranging from 400-800nm. To supplement this data we found two articles that each studied the spectral absorption of polystyrene. Fitting this information together we were able to obtain the following plot of how each wavelength penetrates until it reaches extinction.[[File:waveABSRB.jpg|center|400px]]
*Based on this information it is desirable to use a wavelength between 300-350nm because it allows for the light absorb a few tenths of a millimeter.
*Based on this information it is desirable to use a wavelength between 300-350nm because it allows for the light absorb a few tenths of a millimeter.
*[http://www.lightingquotes.com/catalog.php?product=2226 The product spec sheet for the flash lamp] used in the fuser (Wiko EMM/EKS-5) states that the bulb produces light with a blackbody temperature of 3400 K, which peaks in the near infrared.
*The absorbance of polystyrene in the near infrared is reported in [http://www.thermo.com/eThermo/CMA/PDFs/Articles/articlesFile_25263.pdf this technical note from Thermo Electric Corp], with [http://zeus.phys.uconn.edu/halld/tagger/references/polystyreneIRabs-2000.pdf this copy stored locally]. The absorbance plotted below was measured for a sample of thickness 0.75 mm. [[File:polystyreneIRabs.jpg|center|400px]]
*For comparison, the absorption coefficient in the near infrared for borosilicate glass is reported in [http://pdfserve.informaworld.com/371629_751318403_713845708.pdf this article] with [http://zeus.phys.uconn.edu/halld/tagger/references/glassIRabs-2001.pdf this copy stored locally].[[File:glass_IRabs.jpg|center|400px]]
2) Michigan State University loan-
2) Michigan State University loan-
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*I have tested the alignment of the beam spot with respect to the center of the glass ferrules. In the photos shown below, it is clear that the lamp has maintained its alignment since its last use. Next, we wanted to ensure that the fibers were being held at the focus of the lamp. For our purposes it is important that the focus be set to the interior center of the joined fibers, reducing the intensity seen by the outer cladding. By comparing the sizes of the beam spots (intensity) measured in front and behind the glass ferrule it was possible to distinguish he focal position with respect to the center of the fibers. After conducting the test with and without the collimator it was determined that the focus was in the correct position.
*I have tested the alignment of the beam spot with respect to the center of the glass ferrules. In the photos shown below, it is clear that the lamp has maintained its alignment since its last use. Next, we wanted to ensure that the fibers were being held at the focus of the lamp. For our purposes it is important that the focus be set to the interior center of the joined fibers, reducing the intensity seen by the outer cladding. By comparing the sizes of the beam spots (intensity) measured in front, in line, and behind the glass ferrule it was possible to get a sense of the focal position with respect to the center of the fibers. The results show that the focus was too far forward and needed to be pushed back via the lamp mount. Once the lamp mount was readjusted the intensity was the greatest at the center.
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*After numerous attempts I was finally able to fuse two fibers together using the MSU splicer. Replacing the standard glass ferrule (sent by MSU,having a circular diameter too small for our 2x2mm square fibers) with a glass cylinder with a 5mm diameter allowed us to form the fibers after they have been melted. As shown by the photos, the fibers take on the shape of the ferrule and the outer cladding is still in good condition. This is promising news and I have gone forward with contacting various glass manufacturers to obtain a proper ferrule. Also, it would be advantageous for our group to be able to produce glass ferrules on campus. I have begun cutting thin strips of glass in hopes that I will be able to produce my own ferrule. The results will be posted here shortly.
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3) Outsource-
3) Outsource-