Optical Sensor for High-Performance, Low-Cost Distributed Sensing Platform

Fiber-optic sensors are used for their low cost, small size, light weight, minimal associated intrusion, high accuracy, and reliability. The proposed effort will establish feasibility of novel fiber-optic sensors from which an associated sensing platform would derive dramatically-improved performance and/or improvement in platform size, weight, power, and cost compared to current commercial offerings.The technology will considerably improve NASArsquo;s flight test measurement and in-situ monitoring capability over the current state of the art, opening up new sensing possibilities for real-time, in-situ flight/spaceflight measurements.With an improved understanding of flight/spaceflight structural dynamics, the technology will lead to improved airframe and component designs. With improved, integrated real-time feedback control signal generation and structural health monitoring capability, future aircraft and spaceflight vehicles will operate more safely, predictably, and efficiently.