Fiber Optic Detachable Adjustable Power Meter

To address the U.S. Navy need for a detachable fiber optic power meter, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Fiber Optic detachable Adjustable power Meter (FOAM), with a detachable optical probe electrically connected to a compact indicator panel. The probe includes a focusing optical element insertable into the adapter/contacting optical connector, and an integrated photodetector. This probe includes a mechanism to adjust to all sizes of Navy optical termini. The indicator panel electronics convert the signal from the photodetector into digital signals for display on an LCD that can be strapped on the wrist or arm. The FOAM will be compact and low-cost, with low optical insertion losses, high accuracy, and mechanical and environmental stability. FOAM is far superior to current meters in functionality, as its probe can work inside interconnection boxes. In Phase I, POC will fabricate a FOAM to demonstrate concept feasibility, test it, and establish performance specifications based on the testing. Anticipated specifications include 0.8 - 1.55 micron wavelength range, operation without jumper fiber cable, power range -80 to 10 dBm, and compatibility with ST, SC, LC, and M29504 termini. In Phase II, POC will develop an engineering prototype that can adjust automatically.