Technology Development of Fiber Optic Moorings for Surface Communication Buoys

EOM Offshore, LLC will design and conduct proof-of-concept studies for a mechanically compliant mooring cable, to include embedded optical fiber, called LEO (lightweight electro-optical) stretch hose. Based on EOM’s existing neutrally-buoyant electro-mechanical stretch hose, and having previous optical fiber study, EOM will perform two LEO studies in parallel to retire highest risks early. First, provide design and specification of the optical fiber itself; Second, provide design and specification of the mechanically compliant stretch hose to house the optical fiber. EOM will identify and recommend which optical fiber best meets or exceeds data transmission requirements, as well as identify robust, reliable optical fiber connectors. In parallel, EOM will design a mechanically compliant stretch hose to house the optical fiber, while adhering to mechanical performance requirements for the subsurface application, as well as providing a design specification for the stretch hose termination ends. Both studies will lead directly into the Phase II efforts. Following Phases I, II and III, the final LEO product will be applicable not only to military applications, but also to research and commercial interests (oceanographic moorings, ocean acoustic stations, aquaculture and other commercial) that require high-bandwidth data transmission over mechanically compliant optical fiber cables in the ocean.