Multichannel, Bidirectional, Off-axis Optical Slip Ring Connector

Aspen Systems proposes to develop a multichannel, bidirectional, off-axis optical slip ring connector capable of establishing communication between two rotating surfaces. The novel design utilizes commercial off-the-shelf components providing high bandwidth (THz) with enhanced sensitivity and improved reliability. Since data transmission across the rotating interface is performed in free space there is no degradation of the connectors due to physical contact. Also, every channel comprises of a set of one transmitter and one receiver, eliminating cross-talk between channels. The design of the system is extremely versatile, allowing the possiblity of increasing the number of channels, limited only by the physical dimensions of where it needs to be installed, Highly flexible, compact and light weight, the proposed system promises to provide a low cost solution to providing communication channels across a rotating interface.During the Phase I of this effort, Aspen proposes to design, develop and demonstrate the optical slip ring connector via thorough laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. This will form the basis for upscaling the design to build a prototype during the Phase II of this program. During the course of the Phase II, potential commercial partners will be identified for a privately funded Phase III commercialization process.