The Navy has identified the need for an epoxyless fiber optic ferrule and associated connector housing, and mating adapter, for optical fibers designed for transmission from 2-10 microns in wavelength. The primary application for epoxyless mid-infrared (MWIR) fiber connector technology is the PMA-272 Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) program and a secondary application is at-a-distance chemical and biological agent sensors. Other Navy applications of epoxyless low loss fiber optic connector technology, when used with other types of optical fiber, include high energy fiber laser weapons, platform interconnects, and tethers for towed arrays and undersea weapons. nPP proposes to offer epoxyless metallic ferrules optimized for laser sources in the MWIR, capable of running at the required powers and power densities (100 W, 10 GW/cm2) that are MIL-STD810G and AS6021 compliant. Aiding the ability to withstand these powers is that the ferrule will be metallic, and so will act as a combined radiative and thermally conductive heat sink reducing the temperature rise of the fiber, something the ceramic ferrules cannot do effectively. The need for and design of a custom heat-sinking connector housing and adaptor with optimized thermal properties that mate the two ferrules ends together will be investigated, and designed if required.
Benefit: nPP addresses the needs of the Navy to offer epoxyless, thermally stable ferrules and connectors for DIRCM applications at the stated laser powers and densities, and at-a-distance chemical and biological sensors. They may potentially also be militarized and ruggedized in a D38999 backshell or other appropriate housing. nPP always endeavors to develop products with combined performance and cost differentiation. nPP will offer to the DoD a product that it presently does not have access to. While the program will focus on a single fiber ferrules, later development may also include multiple fiber ferrules of 4,8,12,16 channels or however many are required.
Keywords: Epoxyless ferrule, Epoxyless ferrule, Fiber optics, DIRCM, MWIR laser
