Mega-G-Force Diamond Accelerometer with Integrated Nano Waveguide

We propose an innovative solution to the problem of developing an extreme-g, integrated accelerometer for microscale ordnance fuzing. The proposed solution exploits an integrated optical sensing technique and an all-diamond microfabricated structure to overcome the key technical barriers that have hampered previous technologies. The end result will be a robust, micro-scale sensor, capable of surviving high shock environments, while maintaining sufficient dynamic range to measure flight dynamics of munitions. The Phase I effort will design, model, analyze, fabricate and test a Mega-g diamond accelerometer that can measure flight dynamics across a wide dynamic range while having the ability to survive munitions launches and penetration of multiple reinforced barriers. The main body of the sensor will be fabricated by laser micromachining techniques out of single crystal diamond. The technical risk of this project is lowered by leveraging a separately funded proof-of-concept demonstration performed at Eglin Air Force Base in August 2009. In this demonstration, some of the key technical steps to the technology have already been shown feasible. BENEFIT: The technology will benefit the Air Force by pushing the state of the art in fuze technology by operating in the Mega-g range while increasing the dynamic range. These two benefits will directly enable improved guidance and navigation towards the ability to deliver precision effects. Furthermore the technology addresses key technical issues on the roadmap towards fuze-on-a-chip technology for use on micro-air vehicles.