Completely optical sensors that work entirely without the use of electricity are very desirable devices for many important industrial, military and national security uses. Numerous so-called "passive optical sensors" have been proposed and designed, but none offer the performance, size and cost effectiveness of their electrical based counterparts. Carbon nanotubes are an exciting new field of research that is attracting much attention, R&D funding and potential applications. Pettit Applied Technologies, Inc. (PAT) is interested in extending the applications of carbon nanotubes to passive optical sensors that will meet the needs of the above areas of use. Based on PATÂ’s initial calculations and the published work of a key researcher in this field who was a co-author of the seminal paper on carbon nanotubes, these materials have shown the ability to be utilized for this purpose.
Benefits: Totally passive optical sensors suitable for use in the control of Air Force aircraft in fiber optic control neworks is the key benefit. Commercial sensors for inline industrial applications that require intrinsically safe components is an important and growing need that will be benefitted by this research. Sensors for biological and chemical detection for use in forensice and possibly anti-terrorists applications are another benefit.
Keywords: carbon nanotube, passive optical sensor, unmanned aircraft, fiber optic network, flight control sensor, wavelength division multiplexing, voltage sensor, current sensor
