Fiber Optic Gas Sensing System for Submarine Atmosphere Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-062 Topic Title: Fiber Optic Gas Sensing System for Submarine Atmosphere Proposal No.: N051-062-0698 Firm: Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. 2520 W. 237th Street Torrance, California 90505-5217 Contact: Glenn Bastiaans Phone: (310) 530-7130 Web Site: www.intopsys.com Abstract: Intelligent Optical Systems, with funding from NASA and Boeing, is developing optical sensors for oxygen, hydrogen, and other gases for safety and operational applications at launch sites in spacecraft, and in launch vehicles. Advantages of our sensing approach include multipoint distributed sensing, instantaneous detection, centralized power and monitoring, absence of electromagnetic interference, and elimination of inadvertent ignition sources. In addition to meeting specific NASA requirements, these optical fiber sensors have many advantageous properties that lend them to other applications. These include unobtrusiveness, low power requirements, compact size, low cost, and the ability to be readily integrated with existing optical fiber communication bundles. IOS proposes to perform the research and development needed to adapt and extend the fiber sensor approach to the submarine environment, replacing sampling-based detection systems. Existing and emerging NAVY applications, including those of the Virginia-class submarine, are excellent candidates for adoption and expansion of this optical gas sensing technology. Undersea warfare requires extreme stealth, including suppression of unwanted electromagnetic emissions, and minimal bulk and weight wherever possible in order to maximize space availability for primary mission components and personnel. Finally optical gas sensing requires little or no specialized personnel training and little hands-on operation outside of infrequent maintenance. Benefits: Optical gas sensing technology has the ability to improve detection of fires, toxic or hazardous chemical exposure and many other military, industrial, commercial, institutional and domestic hazards. It is a technology that may eventually replace bulky and often unsightly smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with less intrusive distributed sensing networks using more reliable integrated detection systems. The markets for this emerging technology are vast and are poised to dramatically improve quality of life. Return