MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) and Double-Layer Nozzle Based Portable Fiber-Optic Connector Cleaner

Rainbow Communications proposes to investigate MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) and double-layer nozzle based portable fiber-optic connector cleaners, which do not require the disassembly of connectors. Rainbow¡_s proposed fiber-optic cleaner will include the following unique features. (1) Faster and more effective than cleaning swabs based on the double-layer nozzle to deliver compressed, filtered air and solvent, and suck them back to remove particles and contaminations; (2) No scratching to the connector surface because only air and solvent will contact the connector surfaces; (3) Applicable to all kinds of fiber-optic connectors, including MIL-T-29504 termini and standard fiber-optic connector ferrules based on changeable external needle of the proposed double-layer nozzle; (4) Fast and residue free as the solvent dries rapidly as well as vacuum sucking; (5) Lightweight (<half pound), compact (handheld) and low cost (<$100) based on MEMS pumps and valves, and small size double-layer nozzle structure. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of the proposed portable and low cost fiber-optic connector cleaner. In Phase II a practical cleaning system will be developed to meet all Navy requirements for different fiber-optic connectors¡_ cleaning without the disassembly of the connectors.