Fiber Optic Bundle Reliability Improvement Analysis

The objectives of the program are to improve the manufacturing, wrapping, flexibility and material selection parameters of high density, fiber optic budnles used in helmet mounted displays. The effort is to be a three-phase program to develop improved fiber budling tecniques and to apply the developed technology to prototype fiber and bundle construction. This proposal concerns Phase I effort which will be conducted with research and analysis to investigate fiber configurations and processes in making flexible budled fibers. Research of current industry pracices in optical fiber bundling will be conducted. Conclusions will be drawn regarding limitations of manfacturing processes. Conclusions will be based upon investigation of the causes of low reliability and will discuss novel design/apprach recommendations. Findings will be presented in a summary report. Phase II will expand upon the development and findings of Phase I in modified fiber optic bundling for electro-optic applications. Phase III will involve taking the conclusions of Phase II and applying the findings to preliminary processes. The benfits of improving reliability would extend to dollar savings and to new applications of the technology.