Commercial Development of Advanced UV Curable Index Matching Materials Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-125 Topic Title: Commercial Development of Advanced UV Curable Index Matching Materials Proposal No.: N112-125-0372 Firm: Tetramer Technologies, LLC 657 S. Mechanic Street Pendleton, South Carolina 29670-1808 Contact: Jeffrey DiMaio Phone: (864) 646-6282 Web Site: www.tetramertechnologies.com Abstract: In this Phase I SBIR program, Tetramer Technologies will develop new, commercially attractive, patentable, UV curable refractive index matching materials which have a significant shelf life in the uncured state. The value proposition to the customer working with fiber optic cabling will be increased reliability in refractive index matching materials (IMM) for fiber optic coupling and increased performance through a decreased attenuation at a fiber splice. Currently, the long term stability of uncured IMM is unacceptable when the temperature and humidity are not controlled, which is the case in most field operations. In addition to these basic problems, as laser power increases within the fibers, issues associated with the IMM overheating and igniting have even been reported. What is required for a successful curable IMM are materials which are stable to curing across a range of temperature and humidity; excellent match of RI, thermo-optic coefficient, and dn/d�; high thermal stability; low flammability; low attenuation; and excellent mechanical properties such as low shrinkage, high bond strength, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Benefits: This Phase I work aims to develop a novel refractive index matched fiber-coupling adhesive to meet the rigorous military specifications for an optical fiber mechanical splice. At the conclusion of this work, Tetramer will demonstrate the development of a UV curable polymeric system with tailorable refractive index and extended shelf life at evaluated temperatures. Additionally, the technical knowledge and methodology gained in this work will facilitate the production of an all-around superior optical coupling end product on a commercial scale. This innovation represents an opportunity to develop a profitable new enabling technology which can yield the DoD and private industry cost savings with improved performance. Return