HIGH THROUGHPUT METHODS FOR G PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS

Not Available Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to investigate and develop a novel approach for a MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) based fiber optic grating sensor (FOGS) to improve weapon stabilization and fire control. This POC concept will overwrite two gratings with wavelengths of 1300 nm and 1550 nm onto a polarization-preserving optical fiber. Based on the reflected optical signal from the FOGS, three-axis strain and temperature can be detected and identified. A MEMS diaphragm will be fabricated and integrated in order to improve the sensitivity of this dual overwritten gratings fiber sensor. POC's sensor system will provide highly accurate data about three-axis strain and temperature, and also pressure and vibration. The combined multifunctional MEMS and FOGS will be cost-effective, quick, very rugged for harsh environmental conditions, compact, and highly sensitive. An entirely new set of equations and algorithms will be formulated for solving unknowns, and a user-friendly computer software interface will be developed. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach via advanced computer simulations. In Phase II, a viable prototype with user-friendly software will be provided. BENEFITS: This project will provide a compact, highly sensitive, extremely rugged, cost effective, MEMS-based Fiber optic grating sensor system, together with a novel data acquisition and analysis system that can be used for smart skin sensing, multi-sensor integration,