Fiber Optic Connector Inspection Test System

Impact Technologies, LLC, proposes to develop a hand-held fiber optic connector inspection system that provides a"GO / NO-GO"result based on automatic determination of the terminus endface cleanliness, workmanship, and health. The Fiber Readiness Examination Diagnostics (FRED) unit shall provide automatic fiber optic cable end-face examination and classification. For the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), NAVY, and the DoD, this field deployable unit shall provide timely and robust examination of fiber end-face and be able to classify between clean (GO), dirty (NO-GO), and degraded (NO-GO) fiber end-face. This unit, which is designed for all operator skill levels, shall be portable, easy to use, low profile (will fit in confined spaces), and suitable for marine environments. The unique features of this unit are autofocus, 2D classification, and depth mapping. The problem of ambiguity in conventional inspection systems, lack of decision recording, complex and conflicting specification, and challenging test application, are investigated and matched with modern technologies to radically improve the inspection operator"s process and decision-making criteria.