High Performance Acousto-Optic Arrays based on Fiber Bragg Gratings for Measuring Launch Acoustics

Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation (IFOS) proposes to prove the feasibility of innovations in acousto-optic sensor development for measurement of launch acoustics on space vehicle and ground structures. The proposed sensor platform provides an ultra-light-weight, ultra-high-speed, multi-channel, optical fiber sensor array system for acoustics measurements. The project goals are to design an ultra-high-speed/high resolution, small footprint fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acousto-optic sensor array plus the interrogator, construct a system model, test platform and develop signal processing algorithms to identify and measure acoustic signals in the presence of a quasi-static background strain field. The system model will demonstrate proof-of-principle and the test results will provide proof-of-functionality of the proposed sensor system for measurement of vehicle and ground effects of launch acoustics including using the advanced signal processing algorithms. IFOS and its collaborators in this project will develop a Phase 2 strategy plan that includes development and integration strategy, potential demonstration opportunities, program schedule, and estimated costs.