SBIR-STTR Award

An optically controlled electric power switch will be designed, built and tested that is compatible with "Fly-by-Light" fiber optic networks. This switch will operate in the 600 to 1200 volt, 100 Amp power range, be controllable with the low light levels received in a fiber optic WDM channel with VCSEL light source, operate at high temperatures and withstand extremely high levels of EMI. The optical wavelength range will be from approximately 800 to 1800 nanometers. Wide bandgap semiconductors used in conjunction with carbon nanotubes form the basis for this design

An optically triggered electric power switch shall be designed and tested based on technology demonstrated in the Phase I effort that was shown to be effective. Large degrees of EMI immunity and optical triggering at low light levels in the infrared region are made possible through the use of carbon nanotube technology. The device shall be compatible with fiber optic "Fly-by-Light" networks and shall carry high currents and operate at high voltage to meet aircraft actuator requirements. Wide bandgap semiconductor switching elements will be integrated with carbon nanotube optical triggering technology to construct an integrated device that is capable of meeting high temperature flight qualified operational requirements

Keywords:
EMI IMMUNE, FLY-BY-LIGHT, FIBER OPTIC NETWORK, WIDE BANDGAP SEMICONDUCTOR, CARBON NANOTUBE, POWER SWITCH, OPTICAL CONTROL