Ruggedized Durable Optical Fiber Connector

Physical Optics corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel RUggedized Durable OpticaL Fiber (RUDOLF) Connector as a reliable fiber optic connector for use in harsh environments. The design, based on expanded beam principles, is tolerant of lateralmisalignments and leaves no voids in connector construction to be contaminated by fluids. RUDOLF prevents alignment instability and potential failure of the optical connector as a result of contamination by coolant fluids. It is also tolerant of thermalexpansion, and minimizes optical losses. RUDOLF will maintain a reliable optical connection in the SEM-E modules in F-22 avionics in harsh environments, and will be relatively unaffected by chemical contamination by the coolant. POC manufacturingtechnology will make RUDOLF uniquely inexpensive, efficient, and durable. In Phase I we presented a working demonstration of the RUDOLF connector, which showed good environmental stability and in Phase II will be advanced to a preproduction prototype.The commercial promise of the RUDOLF connector has attracted the interest and funding commitment for Phases II and III from a venture capital firm and a commercial company.