A Highly Integrated Multifunctional Optical Sensor for Monitoring Weapons Health

Knowledge and control of the chemical environment are critical for the health of battlefield and stored weapon systems. Investigations of age-related performance degradation indicate that energetic components are sensitive to environmental factors and precise monitoring of the degradation products (specifically NO2) provides the capability to significantly and safely extend ordnance component service life. Unfortunately, in addition to being cumbersome, traditional electrical/mechanical sensors require the exposure of mechanical elements, or current and voltage carrying electronics, to the environment, resulting in reduced utility in degenerative or combustible environments. The objective of the phase II work is the development of a highly integrated optical sensor and associated electronics with excellent NO2 sensing capabilities, broadly applicable to many environmental monitoring applications, but uniquely suited to weapons propellant monitoring due to its optical nature, very small size, in-situ monitoring capability, low power consumption, and high reliability. The technical approach is to combine advantageous sensor technologies, aggressive electronics packaging, and facilitating communications to realize functionality targets without compromising utility. This work will include: detailed design specification, several generations of prototyping, laboratory testing of integrated and non-integrated components, software/firmware implementation, and demonstration in a high fidelity laboratory environment as to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6.