Space Radiation Hardened PM Fiber

Interferometric fiber optic gyros (IFOGs) are being considered as alternatives to mechanical gyroscopes in both existing and newer high performance applications. Satellite guidance and navigation systems require highly sensitive IFOGs consisting of 4-5 km of fiber optic sensing coils forming the heart of a Sagnac-sensor and must exhibit low radiation induced attenuation to provide end-of -life (EOL) performance as required by the MDA Space Surveillance and Tracking System (STSS). The work will address a critical deficiency concerning the survivability of high precision IFOGs, specifically, the commercial non-availability of a small diameter (80 micron), pure silica core, radiation hardened, polarization maintaining optical fiber suitable for application to the STSS program as well as other space and nuclear industry applications. The objective of the Phase II work is to advance an innovative processing approach demonstrated in Phase I to provide a commercially available 80 micron diameter, radiation hardened, gyro-grade, PANDA style, polarization maintaining, pure silica core fiber with fluorine down-doped cladding for gyro coil windings. The end result will be to demonstrate that the fiber is appropriate for STSS Low Earth-Orbit space ionizing radiation environments of 300 krad over a seven year mission. Currently, a fiber possessing all of these desired characteristics is not available.