Multichannel Optical Fiber Interrogator Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-006 Topic Title: Multichannel Optical Fiber Interrogator Proposal No.: N151-006-0515 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501-1510 Contact: SIvanesan Ponniah Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a low-cost, low-power, lightweight, multichannel optical fiber interrogator for structural health management of rotor blades, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Multichannel Optical Fiber Interrogator (MOFIN). This proposed rotor health monitoring technology is based on the use of fiber Bragg grating sensor arrays and a high-speed edge-filtering demodulation method utilizing an arrayed waveguide and an ultrafast optical switch. Specifically, the innovative system design and the use of miniature, low power planar light wave circuit photonic devices and optoelectronic components will enable the MOFIN to measure strains from more than 15 locations in a single blade at a data rate of >5 KHz using less than 3 W power from energy harvesting units. As a result, this fiber interrogator offers a multi-functional, on-rotor, and impact- and usage-degradation monitoring tool which directly addresses the Navy requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MOFIN by building a benchtop prototype using commercial off-the-shelf components and testing in a laboratory-scale rotor blade test rig. In Phase II, POC plans to build a complete field-ready prototype reaching technology readiness level TRL-5+ and be ready for initial testing in a naval rotorcraft. Benefits: Development of the proposed MOFIN will benefit both government and civilian operators of all types of rotorcrafts and fixed wing aircraft to efficiently monitor the structural health of their aircraft and avoid unnecessary regularly scheduled maintenance cost. Shipping industry will also benefit from MOFIN by using it for structural damage caused by impact, corrosion, and fatigue. Government agencies can benefit from MOFIN by incorporating it into their structural health monitoring (SHM) program for unmanned aerial vehicles to improve safety and reduce maintenance cost. In addition, MOFIN will be useful in similar applications space vehicles, where both corrosion and strain monitoring are possible by this proposed technology. The proposed MOFIN, with minor modifications, can be used to monitor both strains and temperature and will have other applications, including structural health monitoring of strategic buildings and other important structures. MOFIN can also be used by the geological agencies to monitor seismic activities. Return