Radiation Tolerant Fiber Optic Communication

EMA proposes conducting a feasibility study in the Phase I Base that utilizes both measurement and simulation to evaluate a COTS fiber optic and IC system in the applicable environments and leverage our industry connections and engineering expertise to conduct a SWaP study on fiber optic over traditional copper conductor communication systems. To demonstrate viability, EMA will acquire a non-radiation hardened fiber optic system unless one can be provided by the customer. The acquired fiber optic system will be exposed to both a natural space environment replicating a LEO or auroral plasma and TID from an electron and or proton source in EMAÆs SERE chamber. Any EUT degradation will be reviewed and reported to demonstrate EMAÆs ability to assess fiber optics in environments of concern. EMA will then use CAD models of the COTS system to simulate X-Ray exposure of the devices using the EMA3D software package to predict degradation of the system during an X-Ray event. EMA will work with industry partners, such as Glenair, a premier aerospace cabling supplier, to evaluate any SWaP benefits fiber optic has over traditional copper-based comms.Ā Upon completion of the Phase I Base and award of the Phase I Option, EMA will begin the process of procuring a radiation tolerant fiber optic system as well as define all tests and simulations to be executed in the Phase II. Initiating procurement of a radiation tolerant fiber optic system as early in the Phase I Option as possible will be critical for a smooth transition into the Phase II as lead time for rad-hard fiber optic cables can be on the order of several months or longer in recent times. During the Option, EMA will decide which facilities to use for neutron irradiation and X-ray exposure to assess neutron displacement damage and deleterious effects on the fiber optics from X-ray fluence. EMA will work with the selected facility to write a test plan to be used during the Phase II contract. Natural space, TID, high dose rate, dose depth profile, and thermal stress exposure can be handled in-house at EMA. However, if the customer would like any other environmental exposure tests to be executed during the Phase II contract, coordination will begin in the Phase I Option. Supplemental environmental tests could include vibration, salt fog, flammability, EMP susceptibility, etc.Ā EMAÆs expertise and in-house capabilities to assess and engineer for the radiation, space, and other hostile environments through simulation and measurement makes EMA exceptionally qualified to investigate and demonstrate radiation tolerant transmission and receiving for single-phase fiber optics.