SBIR-STTR Award

Further advances in underwater fiber optic conectors will require a technology leap to a new type of fiber termination. Connectors on the market today use a sherically polilshed fiber that is limited to roughly -45 dBm back reflection and cannot preserve polarity information. SEA CON proposes to integrate new fiber connection technology into the TB-29 multi single-mode fiber (MSF) 8 fiber 1 coax (MSF 8/1) connector. The most advanced fiber connection on the market today is the angle physical contact (APC) which has an 8 degree cut for mating. Back reflection can be as low as -70 dBm in APC connections. To accomplish this will require precision keying and alignment, and development of 1.25 mm ferrule/fiber retainers smaller than those used in SEA CON's recent TB-29 electro/optic connector built for L3 Inc. The SEA CON appraoch can be modified to fit any location in the array, uses current TB-29 shells, and can eventually replace the TB-23 connectors. SEA CON proposes to design and develop the alignment and fiber packing density required for the MSF 8/1 using APC technology with an HPC option (which gets to - 55 dBm) as a risk reducing backup appraoch. SEA CON's experience in producting the first 1.25 mm TB-29 towed array connector for L3 Inc. will be a key factor in accomplishing this precision driven design. SEA CON also proposes a an in-depth marketing strategy that will introduce MSF connectors to the geophysical exploration industry - the world's largest buyer of towed array el

Benefits:
The Navy's submarine towed array development programs will have the potential for a major technology breakthrough if this SBIR succeeds in producitng an MSF 8/1 connector meeting the topic requirements. The same is also true for the geophysical exploration industry which owns 5 - 10 time the number of towed arrays as the Navy. A true technology breakthrough is needed in both tactical and exploratory businenss sectors, and that is exaclty what SEA CON proposes.

Keywords:
Angle Physical Contanct Fiber Conections; Super PC (HPC) Fiber Connections; Multi Single-mode Fiber Optic Connectors; Towed Array Fiber Optic Connectors; Precision Keyed Fiber Optic Connections; Geophysical Exploration Towed Array Connectors; Fiber Optic Towed Array Sensors and Cables; Submarine Towed Array Connectors;

During Phase I SEACON developed a new series of miniature underwater fiber optic connectors for use in the TB-29 Fiber Optic Towed Array. These Modular Multi-Fiber/Contact (MMFC) connectors fit within the 0.625 by 2.64 inch envelope of the Fiber Optic TB-29, and carry up to 12 channels of fiber or elctrical contacts in any mix. The Phase I pre-prototype insert passed preliminary testing in optical insertion loss, back reflection, and survival pressure exposure. In Phase I Option the pre-prototype will be completed by adding a shell designed to interface with the TB-29 Fiber Optic Towed Array. The pre-prototype will then undergo testing in Phase I Option and Phase II in order to qualify for inclusion in the upcoming Fiber Optic TB-29 test program. Eight MMFC connectors wil be supplied for the tests, along with installation tooling and engineering services to support the test. 10 complete prototypes will then be designed and fabricated for final qualification testing. This design will include a number of changes resulting from the Phase I and Phase II pre-prototype efforts. The Phase II commericalization effort centers on a mix of Navy and oil industry markets, and includes a major SEA CON connector series introduction of the MMFC design. Phase II Option provides a production set-up and limited production run of TB-29 Fiber Optic Towed Array MMFC connectors for Fleet field evaluation.