Project Title:

Fast Optical Switch for Multi-Mode-Fiber-Optic-Based Control Systems

01.03-7070
Fast Optical Switch for Multi-Mode-Fiber-Optic-Based Control Systems
Geo-Centers, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton Centre
MA
02159
Bruce N.
Nelson
(617-964-7070)
LeRC

Abstract:

Optical switches will be an integral part of advanced aircraft control systems for
directing optical signals to and from control system nodes and from arrays of sensors
and actuators to electro-optic interfaces. Available optical switches for use with
multi-mode-fiber optics are limited in switching speed to approximately 10 ms. This
project is directed to the development of a fast optical switch which will be compatible
with multi-mode-fiber optics and have an activation time of less than 1 ms. This
switch will significantly increase the bandwidth capability of advanced aircraft
control systems using multi-mode optical fibers.
The Phase I effort will determine the feasibility of the optical switching technique
through laboratory experimentation. A two crystal, optical, single-pole-double-throw
switch will be designed, fabricated, and evaluated during the Phase I effort.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  An application for the proposed optical switch
could be use in the next generation of commercial aircraft control systems employing
multi-mode-fiber-optic cable.