Innovative Integrated Optical Driver for Ultra-Low-Loss IMU Miniaturization

IFOS is developing an integrated optical driver (IOD) for next-generation navigation and miniaturized avionics. The IOD is based on emerging photonic integrated circuit (PIC) manufacturing platforms which leverage established semiconductor industry infrastructure. The enabler IOD has very high integration density to realize the essential multi-functionalities for new fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs). The PIC manufacturing platform enables extremely low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) with high reliability and reproducibility, low-cost volume production. The IOD constitutes the heart of the FOG to produce next-generation IRUs/ IMUs. Phase I established the solid performance-driven design foundation necessary for Phase II fabrication-centered activities. FOG testbeds will be used to verify IOD performance expectations. To mitigate risk, program objectives will be pursued by a complete, multidisciplinary team of chip design and fabrication, and navigation system experts with proven commercialization track records. The IFOS team is capable of playing a key role in driving the disruptive trend of photonic integration to realize “technological enablers” for ultra-high-performance navigation systems. From the outset, the program has been devised with a mindset to smoothly and rapidly transition to Phase III, with the goal of IFOS and strategic partners becoming a unique “supplier” of critical components and devices for miniaturized avionics. Approved for Public Release | 19-MDA-9932 (21 Feb 19)