Fiber optics for enabling in-situ detection and imaging systems

Abstract

Current generation fiber optic technology is making significant advances for use in a number of air and space in-situ detection and imaging systems (as shown in Figure 1), including fiber optic acoustic sensors, electro-optical distributed aperture systems and integrated diagnostics, prognostics, and health management. These technologies have demonstrated the ability to be located close to the sensor to overcome resistance losses, provide revolutionary situational awareness to platforms and detect opens and shorts and other structural defects. One of the primary advantages of fiber optics is its simplicity. Fiber optics do not require significant power and complex electronics and allows signal processing to be located close to the networked sensors. There are many benefits of fiber-optic systems for air and space applications, including minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI), minimal electromagnetic environmental effects (E3), lightweight cables (compared to Cu), smaller diameter cables (compared to Cu), greater bandwidth (compared to Cu), no grounding or shorting concerns and upgradeable without replacing cable harnesses. There are also some challenges to acceptance including cost, reliability, and perception of difficulty in installation, maintenance, repair, and analog signal quality not yet comparable to copper [2], Fiber optic systems, due to its data rate performance, small size, and lightweight will continue to provide and revolutionize performance for many air and space systems in the future.