Self-Contained, Miniaturized, Robust, High-Speed Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Interrogator

In Phase I, IFOS built on its vision of a complete structural health monitoring (SHM) system for Navy use by innovating and building a fully functional 16-channel optical sensor interrogator system for SHM with the unprecedented high-speed resolution of 1 picometer, corresponding to 1 µstrain. For Phase II, IFOS is proposing to develop in two stages an interrogator capable of addressing up to 100 channels at very high speeds (1 kHz – 1 MHz) with sub- µstrain resolutions approaching shot noise theoretical limits. While emphasizing performance and features, we will also attempt to keep size and cost under check. Year 1: IFOS will develop and deliver to the Navy for assessment a USB-interfaced optical sensor interrogator with up to 50 channels and 1 picometer or better resolution at up to 5 kHz. IFOS will aim at a 50-cubic-inch package weighing less than 3 pounds. Year 2: IFOS will work toward delivering an interrogator with 100 channels and 0.1-picometer resolution at up to 1 MHz speed. IFOS will aim at achieving approximately 20 cubic inches volume and 1 pound weight. IFOS will also prepare for work towards installation/testing on simulated and actual US Navy platforms such as TOMAHAWK, SPARROW and ESSM.