Focal-Plane-Array Dewar with Low-Power, Optical Data Link

Infrared Components Corporation (ICC) will analyze and develop designs to adapt the existing Standardized Advanced Dewar Assembly (SADA) to include a low power optical modulator in the cryogenic portion of the dewar. Known optical link waveguide modulation devices and architectures will be evaluated with respect to the effects of the cryogenic environment. Changes in modulator parameters such as wavelength dependence, transfer function, and insertion loss, will be analyzed and projected for each modulator type. These are expected due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion, thermal strains associated with modulator mounting and fiber pigtailing, as well as microphonic effects due to the action of the piston of the cryocooler. We will create a special cryotip joint design and modulator mounting technique, as well as specify materials with appropriate cryomechanical characteristics. Designs for a cryogenic modulator with Optical Data Link will be carried out for implementation and test in Phase II. These will allow NASA and ICC to field FPA imagers with lower heat load on the dewar, reduced Electromagnetic Interference, and low cross-talk for parallel multiport readout.