Shock Resistant Single-Mode Fiber Optic Connector

The Phase I technical objectives are: 1. To develop a shock-resistant, single-mode, fiber-optic connector/adapter that is compatible with the commercial ST type fiber-optic connector/adapter; 2. To design the improved ST connector/adapter which must still be intermateable with standard ST connectors and adapters as defined in Electronics Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association 604-2. LiteCom innovative proposed means of improved ST connector/adaptor is based on the development of (1) coupling mechanism design for the single mode ST connector/adaptor to operate with the reliability and loss levels required during Navy shock tests; (2) a shock-resistant single-mode ST type fiber-optic connector will be designed; (3) a shock-resistant single-mode ST type fiber-optic adaptor will be designed; (4) breadboard tests on connector elements will be performed as a proof-of-concept demonstration. Phase I will result in the technical design for an improved single - mode ST connector/adapter that will show transient losses less than 0.5 dB for a duration less than 50 microseconds during standard Navy shock testing. The shock resistant ST connector/adaptor has potential post applications for the U.S. Navy and commercial aircraft manufacturers.