Self-Contained, Miniaturized, Robust, High-Speed Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Interrogator Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-115 Topic Title: Self-Contained, Miniaturized, Robust, High-Speed Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Interrogator Proposal No.: N052-115-0009 Firm: Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation 2363 Calle Del Mundo Santa Clara, California 95054-1008 Contact: Behzad Moslehi Phone: (408) 328-8648 Web Site: www.ifos.com Abstract: Safety and reliability of ordnance, such as that in solid rocket motors, requires determination of system integrity. To achieve this, a need exists for embedded sensors to provide real-time high-speed indication of system health. Optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are the most promising types of sensors for dynamic strain measurements due to their light weight, small size, immunity to electromagnetic interference and multiplexibility. However, commercial FBG sensor interrogators are too heavy and large to be deployed in such applications. Based on years of experience and innovations in FBG sensor systems, IFOS proposes a novel miniaturized FBG sensor interrogator with low power consumption to be incorporated into tactical solid fuel rocket motors. It will be capable of interrogating a single optical fiber containing well over five sensors based on commercially available FBGs, under 0.25 pounds in weight and 5 cubic inches in volume, involving no moving parts. The interrogator will operate over the C (extendable to C+L) wavelength band(s), with resolution of 1 pm, dynamic range of 4000+ microstrain per sensor and speed over 5 kHz per sensor. Implementation will be primarily based on well-tested long-lifetime and highly reliable commercially available components. Benefits: The proposed miniaturized interrogator will find use in a multiplicity of structural health monitoring applications. In particular, miniaturization will open up FBG sensor systems to widescale deployment in both government and commercial applications. On the government front, the miniaturized interrogator has specific application to the Navy's Tomahawk and Trident programs. The interrogator could also be extremely useful in UAVs and other devices where light weight is an essential requirement. Additional applications include a variety of different light-weight sensing requirements in yachting, oil and gas, robotics, medicine, smart clothing, security systems, etc. These requirements may include, but are not limited to: temperature, pressure, strain, moisture, chemical contamination and much more. Automated data storage, PC (USB/firewire) interfaceability and the capability to be controlled by simple PCs will enhance the interrogator's functionality for each of these commercial applications. Additional functionality will arrive through intelligent decision making algorithms that will be included in future versions. Return