Field Portable, Low Cost, Fiber-Optic Reflectometer Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-021 Topic Title: Field Portable, Low Cost, Fiber-Optic Reflectometer Proposal No.: N051-021-0558 Firm: Syntonics LLC 9160 Red Branch Road Columbia, Maryland 21045-2002 Contact: Bruce Montgomery Phone: (410) 884-0500 Web Site: www.SyntonicsCorp.com Abstract: Syntonics will develop an innovative instrument to perform optical time domain reflectometry using two existing, RF-oriented technologies: ultra wideband (UWB) radar and RF-over-fiber photonics. Both these technologies are available, making an inexpensive, battery-powered, high-resolution, hybrid OTDR practical. Our proposal describes the details of UWB radar and RF-over-fiber photonics and substantiates our view that the Navy's OTDR performance goals are obtainable. The proposed hybrid RF/optical approach addresses fundamental resolution, sensitivity and dead zone issues with current OTDRs. Benefits: The initial market for the proposed hybrid OTDR will be military fiber optic maintenance organizations, likely beginning with our Navy sponsors but also including other military organizations. However, the technology will be immediately marketable for commercial OTDR applications. Although existing handheld OTDRs are engineered for long-haul fibers, which is the bulk of the need today, telecommunications cable plants still have problems with broken fibers inside connectors and inside switch rooms, and commercial short-haul fiber applications are increasing. Return