Low Cost, High-Throughput, Dense-Fiber Channel Optical Interrogator Based Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) Microchip Technology

Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI) a world leader in the production and sales of low cost photonic integrated circuit (PIC) microchip transceivers, and advanced distributed fiber optic sensors systems proposes the development, demonstration, and rapid commercialization transition of a cost-affordable, high-density fiber-channel, wide dynamic wavelength range high spectral resolution, and fast data throughput wavelength-division/time-division multiplexing (WDM/TDM) fiber optic sensor interrogator transceiver (HD-FBGT™) system suitable for the in-situ multi-point monitoring of hundreds (100’s) of sensing fibers each integrating a high-density array of distributed fiber optic Bragg-grating (FBG) temperature sensors used to monitor and to alert in real time the temperature quenching dynamics of fusion superconductive magnets that can potentially lead to sudden and unpredictable loss in their superconductive properties catastrophically affecting fusion reactors. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology offers a reliable solution for the high-resolution multi-point temperature monitoring of quenching effects occurring in superconductive magnetic fusion devices where a high degree of induced electromagnetic noise imposes significant challenges on traditional voltage-based quench detection methods. Quench detection and temperature measurement using FBG sensors, is a technique used to monitor temperature changes in critical applications like superconducting magnets, where a sudden transition from a superconducting state to a normal resistive state (a "quench") can be catastrophic; by precisely measuring temperature along the conductor using surface mounted or embedded fiber optics, enabling the early detection of a quenching events allowing for protective measures to be taken before significant damage occurs. Radiation hardened optical fibers that use custom buffer coatings, i.e., PTFE, have enable the production of FBG temperature sensors suitable for the reliable monitoring of cryogenic temperatures to 4.5-°K, [1] and the small diameter of the FBG sensing fibers allows their seamless integration to superconductive magnet cables. Although FBG sensor technology provides a proven solution for the real-time in-situ monitoring of quenching events in fusion superconductive magnets, there is a need for low-cost radiation hardened highly multiplexed FBG interrogators that enables interrogation of hundreds of fiber channels with wide wavelength dynamic ranges and narrow spectral resolution, sampling rates greater than 100 Hz, and high laser output power. In the Phase I program, ROI will demonstrate a proof-of-concept (POC) laboratory prototype of a compact, dense-fiber channel HD-FBGT™ system suitable for the in-situ real time monitoring of quenching events in fusion superconductive magnets. Specifically in Phase I, ROI will develop a laboratory HDFBGT ™ system prototype suitable for the high spatial resolution multi-point (16-points) monitoring of cryogenic temperature variances within the temperature range from 298°K to 4.5°K. ROI will also demonstrate the capability of high-density fiber channel multiplexing by integrating a 1 x 32 optical switch to enable the capability to interrogate 32-fiber channels, each incorporating 16-FBG temperature sensors, hence demonstrating the ability to monitor over 500 sensing points at multiple locations of a superconductive magnets. The Phase I demonstration will lead the transition to a Phase II engineering development project. In Phase II, the proof-of-concept HD-FBGT™ demonstration prototype results will be use for the engineering development and production of a field deployable HD-FBGT™ system suitable for installation at a DOE selected superconductive magnet fusion reactor. The Phase II engineering prototype will have the capability of interrogating over 1000-sensing fibers, each fiber with 100’s of FBG temperature sensors. Phase III of the project will focus on the commercialization transition of HD-FBGT™ technology to the energy sector as well as other civil infrastructure sectors in need of high-density monitoring. The fiber optic sensor market is currently well accepted by major industries worldwide and it is rapidly growing. It is projected that the fiber optic sensor market will grow to is estimated to be valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.20 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2023 to 2032. driven by penetration in the oil, gas and petrochemical, automotive, aviation, and aerospace, and biomedical fields.