Multiplexed Optical Fiber Sensor Arrays for Submarine Atmosphere Analysis Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-062 Topic Title: Multiplexed Optical Fiber Sensor Arrays for Submarine Atmosphere Analysis Proposal No.: N051-062-0338 Firm: Los Gatos Research 67 East Evelyn Ave. Suite 3 Mountain View, California 94041 Contact: An-Dien Nguyen Phone: (650) 965-3459 Web Site: www.lgrinc.com Abstract: Los Gatos Research (LGR) proposes to develop, test and deploy a compact, rugged and easy-to-use optical fiber sensor array device based on a new optical fiber-based cavity-enhanced absorption technique known as Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (ICOS). This novel instrument will record concentration measurements of multiple gases including NH3 and C2H4 with ultrahigh sensitivity, accuracy and specificity in real time and without external calibration for submarine environment. By significantly increasing the measurement accuracy and sensitivity of ethylene and ammonia, the proposed device will allow more reliable monitoring of the atmosphere quality throughout the ship and providing control input to the ship's ventilation system and trace contaminant removal system. In Phase I, LGR will develop and test a prototype ICOS sensor array that can measure NH3 and C2H4 with state of the art accuracy, specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity. The sensor instrument will measure both NH3 and C2H4 concentrations with sensitivity of 1 ppmv (or better), and require no calibration or reference gas. Benefits: Fiber optic sensor technology provides significant advantages for advanced aviation, submarine, and civil engineering platforms because they are lightweight, compact, environmently rugged, consumes low power, and capable of multiplexing at low cost. Combined with a cavity enhanced absorption technique, the fiber sensor offers ultrahigh sensitivity for chemical detection applications such as trace gas contaminant monitoring in air, liquid, or solids systems. The proposed fiber-based ICOS sensors may be applied to a wide range of chemical, biological, and environmental monitoring applications such as industrial real-time monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial process control, and atmospheric research. Return