Rugged and Durable Fiber Optic Replacement Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-115 Topic Title: Rugged and Durable Fiber Optic Replacement Proposal No.: N082-115-0860 Firm: Linden Photonics Inc. 270 Littleton Road, Unit #29 Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Contact: Amaresh Mahapatra Phone: (978) 392-7985 Web Site: www.lindenphotonics.com Abstract: Optical fibers are extensively used in military aircraft, both as interconnects in electronic cards and as interconnects in aircraft frames. Fiber ribbons used in computer cards suffer significant breakage failures, usually close to the connectors and at points where they have been tacked to prevent movement. Fiber cables suffer "maintenance induced breaks" when, for example, a heavy object falls on them or they are bent sharply at an anchor point. Both these situations would benefit from development of a rugged, durable optical replacement fiber. Ideally it should be a drop-in replacement for currently used fiber. Linden proposes the use of a new class of materials for use as extruded optical fiber buffer. The new materials will have high strength, low cold creep, high flexibility and kink resistant. Fibers using the new buffer can be used in both ribbon and cable constructions. The fibers will be a drop in replacement and compatible with MT and 29504 type connector. Benefits: At the end of a successful Phase 1 we will have completed testing of key qualification requirements so that the technology risk going into the Phase 11 effort will be minimized. The developed technology will pass critical qualification testing and find use in avionic fiber ribbons, simplex and duplex cables, for harsh environments. Return