Head Pressure Analysis System

Not Available We propose a unique design approach for a White Light Analyzer for high resolution measurements of polarization scattering in fiber optic components and devices. In Phase I, we will demonstrate an unprecedented signal measurement dynamic range exceeding 10,000:1 or 80 dB. Such performance represents close to a tenfold improvement over existing technology; and is highly suited for analyzing precision components used in the manufacture of Interferometric Fiber Gyros, and is the requirement cited in the solicitation. The most unique aspect of the proposed design incorporates an optical pick-off method for precisely determining the zero path position of the scanning interferometer, which provides a twofold benefit: 1) Data collection for both scan directions becomes correlated which effectively doubles the measurement rate; and 2) Coherence averaging is enabled, providing the potential for measurement resolutions approaching 100 dB. The proposed White Light Analyzer will also be capable of providing high resolution coherence and optical spectrum measurements, where we project wavelength resolution of 0.002 nm and a high absolute accuracy. In Phase I, a breadboard system will be constructed to demonstrate the design performance claims. In Phase II, a full featured prototype system will be developed.