High Temperature Fiber Optic Position Transducer

This Phase I proposal, submitted under the SBIR component of the ARPA TRP proposes the development of a family of affordable, high precision, self-calibrating, environmentally robust, Fiber Optic Position Transducers. Visidyne's ultra high resolution optical radar technology provides the basis for a transducer that can operate in harsh environments, including temperatures greater than 400 degrees Celsius, poor EMI conditions and severe vibrations. A key advantage of the design is that the sensor head is completely passive. An ultra high resolution optical radar probes the sensor head via optical fibers and measures displacements there with extremely high accuracy. Despite the high level of performance, the design is highly pragmatic and can be implemented by making use of existing technolgy bases including laser diodes developed for entertainment electronics, and chipsets used in cellular telephones and GPS receivers. Anticipated Military Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: To take full advantage of fly-by-light technology, the next generation of military aircraft will require reliable, rugged, high precision absolute positional transducers capable of operating at high temperatures. The commercial potential for such a sensor is large, with potential markets in commercial aviation and chemical processing industries. Visidyne intends to team with a manufacturer of actuators to exploit this market.