Browse Topic: Water quality

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Products of Tomorrow: February 2020TBMG-359682/1/2020
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Smartphone System Tests for Lead in WaterTBMG-359902/1/2020
Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require lead levels in drinking water to be below 15 parts per billion. Currently available consumer test kits are not sensitive enough to accurately detect lead at that level. A new system has been developed using a smartphone and a lens made with an inkjet printer that can detect lead in tap water at levels commonly accepted as dangerous.
Facility Focus: National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationTBMG-357971/1/2020
In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson founded the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey to provide nautical charts to the maritime community for safe passage into American ports and along the coastline. The Weather Bureau was founded in 1870 and one year later, the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries was founded. Individually, these organizations were America's first physical science agency, America's first agency dedicated specifically to the atmospheric sciences, and America's first conservation agency.
Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration ToolTBMG-358191/1/2020
According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was developed that uses sand and plant materials readily available in many developing nations to create a cheap and effective water filtration medium called “f-sand.” F-sand uses proteins from the Moringa oleifera plant, a tree native to India that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. The tree is cultivated for food and natural oils, and the seeds are already used for a type of rudimentary water purification; however, this traditional means of purification leaves behind high amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the seeds, allowing bacteria to regrow after just 24 hours. This leaves only a short window in which the water is drinkable.
2019 'Create the Future' Sustainable Technologies Category Winner: Wave-Powered Water DesalinationTBMG-3544911/1/2019
Rose-Inspired Device Collects and Purifies WaterTBMG-3527610/1/2019
A new device, inspired by a rose, inexpensively collects and purifies water. The device is a new approach to solar steaming for water production — a technique that uses energy from sunlight to separate salt and other impurities from water through evaporation.
Device Simplifies Measurement of Fluoride Contamination in WaterTBMG-351499/1/2019
Adding fluoride to water has been common practice in a number of countries including the U.S. In low concentrations (below 1.5 mg/L), fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones; however, at higher levels, it can have the opposite effect, causing serious dental and bone disease, especially in children and developing fetuses. To determine whether drinking water is safe, fluoride must be detected in water at a parts-per-million (ppm) level. Measuring fluoride at such low concentrations with sufficient accuracy is expensive and requires a well-equipped chemical lab.
New Imaging Method Aids in Water DecontaminationTBMG-351669/1/2019
A breakthrough imaging technique developed by Cornell researchers shows promise in decontaminating water by yielding surprising and important information about catalyst particles that can't be obtained any other way.
Feasibility Study of Portable Water Desalination Systems for Water Contingencies at Remote Navy Installations19AERP08_078/1/2019
Navy explores ways to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water at remote installations. NAVFAC Expeditionary Program Office (NEPO), Washington Navy Yard, DC The Department of the Navy (DON) has major installations located around the world. Twenty-two main installations operate outside the continental United States (OCONUS) and rely on on-base water processing facilities. These facilities serve a total population of 71,000 military and civilian personnel, and the water plants have a total production capacity of 15.7 million gallons per day. A significant majority of these locations use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for water purification. At many of these installations, the RO systems provide the only reliable potable water source for personnel. Providing potable water is a critical and core mission of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC).
Products of Tomorrow: August 2019TBMG-348868/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Feasibility Study of Portable Water Desalination Systems for Water Contingencies at Remote Navy InstallationsTBMG-348628/1/2019
The Department of the Navy (DON) has major installations located around the world. Twenty-two main installations operate outside the continental United States (OCONUS) and rely on on-base water processing facilities. These facilities serve a total population of 71,000 military and civilian personnel, and the water plants have a total production capacity of 15.7 million gallons per day.
Smartphone Test Spots Poisoned Water RiskTBMG-347317/1/2019
Researchers have developed a biosensor that attaches to a smartphone and uses bacteria to detect unsafe arsenic levels. The device generates easy-to-interpret patterns similar to volume-bars that display the level of contamination.
Researchers Create Smartphone System to Test for Lead in WaterTBMG-344215/1/2019
Researchers at the University of Houston have created an inexpensive system that can detect lead in tap water at levels commonly accepted as dangerous, using a lens made with an inkjet printer and a smartphone.
Pre-Treatment Solution for Water RecoveryTBMG-341694/1/2019
The Pre-Treatment Solution for Water Recovery technology was developed by NASA Johnson Space Center innovators to increase the amount of potable water recovered from the International Space Station’s urine processor assembly system. The solution increased the water recovery rate in the ISS distiller from 75 to 90 percent, doubled the volume of feed processed per cycle, reduced the volume of brine by half, and eliminated the formation of precipitate up to 90% water recovery.
Products of Tomorrow: April 2019TBMG-341624/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
System Selectively Sequesters Toxins from WaterTBMG-339243/1/2019
Traditional methods, such as reverse osmosis, that remove contaminants from water are expensive and energy-intensive. Researchers have developed technology to remove contaminants from water, but only as many as necessary.
Products of Tomorrow: March 2019TBMG-339403/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
High-Voltage Power Line Multi-Sensor SystemTBMG-336942/1/2019
Government infrastructure facilities such as water treatment facilities, power plants, laboratories, and the like may be targets for terrorist attacks. Similarly, oil pipelines, power grids, warehouses, factories, laboratories, and the like in the commercial sector may be targeted by terrorists or persons engaging in industrial espionage and sabotage. When these facilities are remotely located, the limited or nonexistent power sources in the area may prevent or severely restrict the employment of cameras, sensors, and other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) devices. Thus, there is a need to overcome these limitations while providing around-the-clock persistent support and similar capabilities.
Products of Tomorrow: February 2019TBMG-336962/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Savannah River National LaboratoryTBMG-336832/1/2019
The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) — located in Aiken, SC — is the applied research and development laboratory at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS). The laboratory applies state-of-the-art science to provide practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems. SRNL technologies are used to detect weapons of mass destruction, clean up contaminated groundwater and soil, develop hydrogen as an energy source, support the need for a viable national defense, and safely manage hazardous materials.
Products of Tomorrow: January 2019TBMG-335941/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
5 Ws of the Lead-Detection Smartphone SystemTBMG-335861/1/2019
Individuals needing or wanting to examine lead content in their drinking water on-demand and in virtually any environmental setting.
Innovators Recognized for "Creating the Future" 2018TBMG-3340412/1/2018
Analysis of Molecules in Liquids on a ChipTBMG-288725/1/2018
Much can be detected in blood or urine — viral illnesses, metabolic disorders, or autoimmune diseases can be diagnosed with laboratory tests, for instance. But such examinations often take a few hours and are quite complex, which is why doctors hand the samples over to specialist laboratories.
2017 Create the Future Design Contest: Sustainable Technologies Category WinnerTBMG-2781411/1/2017
Custom Data Logger for Real-Time Remote Field Data Collections17AERP10_1010/1/2017
Compact, energy efficient instruments have the same functionality as a personal computer. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), CHL, FRF, had a need for a remote real-time data collection system to control instruments and log and communicate data from five observing stations in the Currituck Sound Estuary, NC1. These stations, referred to as the Currituck Sound Array (CSA), collect a suite of meteorological and oceanographic data including wind, air temperature, humidity, incoming solar radiation (above and below water), waves, currents, water level, salinity, and water temperature, as well as turbidity and many other water quality parameters. This array of instruments has a variety of control commands, sample routines, and output data formats. Additionally, the CSA was designed to act as a natural laboratory for estuarine research and as an instrument and model test bed. These capabilities required a reliable and flexible system that would allow easy modification of sampling schemes, the ability to log as many as 15 instruments with a single logger, and allow the incorporation of additional and novel instrumentation with minimal effort and expense. The custom loggers were built upon single board computers (SBC) running the Linux operating system. They effectively have the same functionality as a personal computer, overcoming many of the limitations of off-the-shelf loggers. Additionally, off-the-shelf loggers typically operate on a very limited set of commands. These custom Linux-based loggers have a much more diverse and powerful selection of commands, overcoming many of the unique challenges of real-time data collection with robust code and programmatic “watchdogs” that can automatically make sure the logger, instruments, and communications are operating as intended.
Custom Data Logger for Real-Time Remote Field Data CollectionsTBMG-2765310/1/2017
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), CHL, FRF, had a need for a remote real-time data collection system to control instruments and log and communicate data from five observing stations in the Currituck Sound Estuary, NC1. These stations, referred to as the Currituck Sound Array (CSA), collect a suite of meteorological and oceano-graphic data including wind, air temperature, humidity, incoming solar radiation (above and below water), waves, currents, water level, salinity, and water temperature, as well as turbidity and many other water quality parameters. This array of instruments has a variety of control commands, sample routines, and output data formats. Additionally, the CSA was designed to act as a natural laboratory for estuarine research and as an instrument and model test bed. These capabilities required a reliable and flexible system that would allow easy modification of sampling schemes, the ability to log as many as 15 instruments with a single logger, and allow the incorporation of additional and novel instrumentation with minimal effort and expense.
Performance Based Standard for Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc ApparatusJ2527_201709 (Current)9/19/2017
This SAE Standard specifies the operating procedures for a controlled irradiance, xenon-arc apparatus used for the accelerated exposure of various exterior automotive materials.
Textile and Flexible Plastics Committee
Clean Water with Sandia Sensor SolutionTBMG-275089/1/2017
Water utilities have a Goldilocks problem: If they don't add enough chlorine, nasty bacteria that cause typhoid and cholera survive the purification process. Too much chlorine produces disinfection byproducts such as chloroform, which increase cancer risks. The amount of chlorine needs to be “just right” for safe drinking water.
Ultralight, Scalable, High-Temperature-Resilient Ceramic Nanofiber SpongesTBMG-275229/1/2017
Researchers have made ultralight, highly porous, compressible, and heat-resistant sponge-like materials from nanoscale ceramic fibers. The highly deformable material is made by tangling ceramic nanofibers into a sponge. The method used is inexpensive and scalable for making large quantities.
Water-Based, Recyclable Membrane Filters all Types of NanoparticlesTBMG-275349/1/2017
Separation technology is at the heart of water purification, sewage treatment, and reclaiming materials, as well as numerous basic industrial processes. Membranes are used to separate out the smallest nanoscale particles, and even molecules and metal ions. A new type of membrane was developed that could extend the life of a separation system, lower its cost, and in some cases, increase its efficiency as well.
Paper-Based Electrochemical Test Strip Detects Harmful BacteriaTBMG-272187/1/2017
Borrowing concepts from medical diagnostic devices, researchers have created a simple, inexpensive set of handheld tests that can detect the presence of many water- or food-borne pathogens. If applied in the field, such tests could greatly reduce the number of expensive follow-up tests needed to keep the food supply safe from fecal contamination.
System, Apparatus, and Method for Liquid PurificationTBMG-268675/1/2017
Scientists at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed a unique water purification method that can be used for water recycling or point-of-use applications. Originally developed as a means to recycle water in space, this technology has applications in industrial water treatment, water recycling, and water purification for military bases, disaster sites, and regions without easy access to clean water. Relying on only electrical energy, this technology uses plasma-generated reactive species to decompose organic contaminants, ranging from submicron particles to water soluble organics like glycol, ethanol, and industrial dyes.
Vulnerability Assessment ToolTBMG-265013/1/2017
Malawi has not been spared from the severe impacts of climate change. In the past two decades, Malawi has experienced a number of adverse climatic hazards, the most serious being dry spells, seasonal droughts, intense and unpredictable rainfall, riverine floods, and flash floods. Some of these, especially droughts and floods, have since increased in frequency, intensity, and magnitude over the past decades, and have adversely impacted food and water security, water quality, energy, and sustainable livelihoods of most rural communities. With its narrow economic base, limited agroprocessing industries, over-dependency on rain-fed agriculture, and biomass for household energy, Malawi is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. This situation is exacerbated by increasing poverty among rural communities, increasing population pressure on a limited land resource base, land degradation arising from agricultural expansion and the cultivation of marginal lands, and increasing deforestation to meet the increasing demands for energy, food, and construction purposes.
Filtering Molecules with Nanotube TechnologyTBMG-263602/1/2017
Innovators at NASA's Johnson Space Center have developed a filtration device to eliminate contaminants from water supplies. Originally developed to purify waste-water for reuse aboard the International Space Station, the innovation is applicable to numerous situations on Earth where there is a need to collect potable, medical-grade water from a contaminated water supply. The unique aspect of the technology is its use of acoustics, rather than pressure, to drive water through small-diameter carbon nanotubes. The invention requires less power than conventional filtration systems, and is well-suited to a variety of water processing needs.
Validating IFUs for Reprocessed Medical DevicesTBMG-2607412/1/2016
Incidents of nosocomial or healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) and bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics (“superbugs”) are a concern for U.S. FDA. These ongoing incidents have heightened FDA’s attention to manufacturers of reprocessed medical devices. Manufacturers need to design devices that can be reprocessed effectively after patient contact, validate that the devices can be reprocessed in the healthcare facility, and publish clear reprocessing procedures and instructions for use (IFU) that are easy for healthcare personnel to understand and follow.
Researchers Create Customized Proteins from 'Bacterial Builders'TBMG-2596211/20/2016
Researchers from Wyss Institute have revealed a scalable method for building biomaterials from protein structures known as "amyloids." Ongoing work in the lab will focus on fabricating a wide variety of materials, including hydrogels that can interface with the body.
Design and Development of Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and UAV Mountable Water Sampling Devices for Water Based Applications2016-01-20049/20/2016
In this paper we discuss about the design and development of an “Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (AAUAV)” that can fly autonomously to the polluted water areas where human accessibility is formidable to test the water quality. The AAUAV system is an integrated multi-copter with tilt rotor capability to facilitate easy landing, navigation and maneuver on water. A 3D CAD model has been designed and analyzed. A specific propulsion system has been devised and lab tested. A proof of concept model has been made and tested in the field with its instruments to ascertain its technical/ operational feasibility. This system can also be tailored to collect and store the water samples from the polluted sites for further comprehensive research at the laboratory. AAUAV system is the novel solution to the polluted environment through a complete integrated system. This will be an effective alternative for the conventional water sampling techniques.
Parvez Alam, M., Manoharan, Dinesh
Argonne centers to focus on expediting commercialization of technology16OFHP02_072/1/2016
When it comes to enablers for a variety of future technologies that will move the industry forward in terms of efficiencies and cleanliness of power and energy, it is most often advances in energy storage that rise to the top in terms of necessities, and close behind is the pinpoint exploitation of nanotechnology. As experts at Argonne National Laboratory see it, grid-level storage can help reduce carbon emissions through the increased adoption of renewable energy and use of electric vehicles while helping bring electricity to developing parts of the world. At the same time, nanotechnology is transforming the electronics industry and bringing a new set of powerful tools and materials to engineers who are developing new ways to generate, store, and transport energy through new catalytic nanomaterials.
Broge, Jean L.
Habitat Water Wall for Water, Solids, and Atmosphere Recycle and ReuseTBMG-2302410/1/2015
A method was developed that allows water recycling, air treatment, thermal control, and solid residuals treatment and recycle to be removed from the usable habitat volume and placed in the walls of a radiation-shielding water wall. This design also provides a mechanism to recover and reuse water treatment (solid) residuals to strengthen the habitat shell.
Extraction of Liquid Water from the Exhaust of a Diesel Engine2015-01-28069/29/2015
Introducing water in a diesel engine has been known to decrease peak combustion temperatures and decrease NOx emissions. This however, has been limited to stationary and marine applications due to the requirement of a separate water supply tank in addition to the fuel tank, thereby a two-tank system. Combustion of hydrocarbon fuels produce between 1.35 (Diesel) and 2.55 times (Natural Gas) their mass in water. Techniques for extracting this water from the exhaust flow of an engine have been pursued by the United States department of defense (DOD) for quite some time, as they can potentially reduce the burden of supply of drinking water to front line troops in theater. Such a technology could also be of value to engine manufacturers as it could enable water injection for performance, efficiency and emissions benefits without the drawbacks of a two-tank system. In this paper, a technique where the exhaust is first cooled via a modified EGR cooler and then passed through a cyclonic separator to separate heavier liquid particles from the exhaust gas flow is demonstrated. This method increases efficiency of recovering liquid water from the exhaust. A prototype system was developed and installed on a VW TDI diesel test engine. Tests were conducted with and without after-treatment and results have been discussed in subsequent sections.
Barros, Sam, Atkinson, William, Piduru, Naag
Design and Engineering of Process Plants Based on the “Lego Principle”TBMG-225288/1/2015
Manufacturers in the process industries need to adjust to smaller batches and different types of product in the same plant. Plants based on the “Lego principle” are designed and engineered precisely to the respective task, whether for the production of a specific product in units per time unit, or for the throughput of a specific substance in a quantity per time unit. The mechanical design of the plant as a whole is geared towards meeting specifications and guaranteeing the required performance data over the projected lifecycle of the plant. The corresponding automation is carried out using management systems comprising process-specific (control) components, operating and monitoring stations, as well as engineering stations. The entire process is centrally controlled by a single management system.
Products of Tomorrow: August 2015TBMG-226598/1/2015
The technologies NASA develops don’t just blast off into space. They also improve our lives here on Earth. Life-saving search-and-rescue tools, implantable medical devices, advances in commercial aircraft safety, increased accuracy in weather forecasting, and the miniature cameras in our cellphones are just some of the examples of NASA-developed technology used in products today.
Vibration Reduction of Single Cylinder Diesel Engine used for Agricultural Water Pumping2015-01-22916/15/2015
There are many environmental issues in India. Air pollution, water pollution, garbage, vibration, noise pollution and pollution of the natural environment are all challenges for India. India has a long way to go to reach environmental quality similar to those enjoyed in developed economies. Pollution remains a major challenge and opportunity for India. The review of trends in farm practices and machinery development suggests that vibration & noise problems are still prevalent in agricultural situations, even though there has been a steady increase in the availability of materials and equipment for vibration & noise control over recent years. Diesel engine is the main source of power for agricultural equipments, such as water pump set, compressor, electric generator and tractor. Even it is one of the sources of vibration & noise in agricultural field. There is reluctance of the agricultural sector to use of vibration & noise control methods. It is difficult to estimate the number of workers (self-employed and employees) in agriculture and forestry who suffer in India. In this project work, the challenge was to predict vibration performance / characteristics of 8 HP, 2100 rpm, single cylinder diesel engine. Also check the effect of up-gradation of same engine to 2600 rpm; which will be done to get more water quantity and at higher level /head. Engine model building was started with 3D CAD modeling using Pro/E software then discritization (Meshing) and Nastran solver deck / model with loads and boundary conditions was developed using Hyper Mesh software. Engine loads was calculated using analytical methods for 2100 rpm & 2600 rpm. Those excitation loads was used to simulate NVH behavior of engine using CAE method. Detailed vibration source identification was carried out by actual vibration measurement using B & K measuring system and NVH CAE simulation methods. Fuel tank and gear cover was potential candidate of vibration. Based on vibration source identification by both methods, design modifications were done and verified using NVHCAE simulation technique for 2100 rpm and 2600 rpm before final recommendation for design changes. Those modifications were showing good amount of vibration reduction for the respective natural frequencies as design changes were strengthening the plane surfaces of sheet metal fuel tank and gear cover. Design modifications were recommended to implement after prototype testing.
Jadhav, Pandurang Maruti, Dunung, Sandesh A, Nitnaware, Pravin T
Microwave-Steam Based Road Deicing Vehicle Focused on Thin Ice Layers2015-01-05024/14/2015
For the thin ice on the road in winter, the traditional road deicing vehicle relies on mechanical and chemical methods for melting ice, which is inclined to damage the pavement and has insidious influence on environment. The thermal deicing vehicle has been adopted in recent years. Although the deicing method is available, the deicing efficiency is unacceptable while the energy consumption is huge. The study adopts the new idea of “bottom-to-top” for melting the intersection area between the road surface and the bottom ice layer by the microwave heating firstly and then cleaning them out using high pres. vapor cutting so as to save the cost of energy and enhance the traffic safety. First of all, the mathematical model of the melting process of the intersection of the pavement and the ice layer was established according to the microwave heating characteristics. Then the mechanism about the compatibility between the steam temperature, saturation and the upper surface of the ice was analyzed. Based on the analysis, the design of the post-process of ice melting was modified. After determining the layout scheme of microwave steam deicing device on vehicles, the analysis energy flow of vehicle was completed in the last. The result shows that the deicing vehicle is viable and its energy consumption is eighty percent as much as the traditional deicing vehicle's for melting the 5mm thin ice layer. There is no water pollution and road surface damage in the whole process.
Xu, Zhicheng, Tan, Gangfeng, Sun, Xingzhi, Ge, Yongqiang, Hua, Min, Xu, Haobo
Use of Electrochemical Analysis Method in EG Steel Nubbing Investigation2015-01-07324/14/2015
A surface phenomenon associated with the localized excessive growth of phosphate crystals on electrogalvanized (EG) steel is investigated. The excessive phosphate growth (i.e., “nubbing”) is found to correspond to pitting of the EG zinc coating during the degreasing process. In an industry first, alkaline degreasers of varying type are studied using electrochemical analysis and a correlation is found between the EG steel pitting potential and nubbing severity of pre-treated EG steel. Electrochemical analysis of lab-prepared degreaser samples confirms that degreaser pH is primarily responsible for pitting severity. Pretreatment parameter changes are discussed as being able to prevent such a phenomenon.
Dula, Matthew, Eich, Heather, VanBelle, Nicole, Mohankumar, Prasanth, Arnold, Bryan D.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Microbial Growth Control in Space Potable Water SystemsTBMG-218134/1/2015
NASA uses a biocide to prevent contamination of astronaut drinking water with harmful microorganisms. Concerns have arisen over existing biocides — that they’re inadequately effective, and may have toxic side effects when consumed. New microbial control methods are a priority. This need is addressed by using an electrochemical reactor for on-demand generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions. The device uses onboard resources only. The method eliminates the need for resupply items (reducing launch costs), and reduces toxicity risk.
Method of Water Regeneration From Waste and Cascade DistillationTBMG-218224/1/2015
Effective recovery of potable water from various streams and sources of wastewater, seawater, or contaminated water is a significant task for securing existence of human beings in space, terrestrial, and marine environments. Efficient purification of the wastewater is also a very important task for protection of the global environment. The existing and known methods of recovery of clean water from the wastewater are technically complicated, have low energy efficiency, consume processing material, and are bulky, heavy, and not cost effective.
PVC vs. Polyurethane: A Tubing ComparisonTBMG-217053/1/2015
PVC and polyurethane are thermoplastic materials that can be formed into a variety of shapes, including tubing and reinforced hose. Both materials are useful in numerous applications. But depending on factors such as temperature, chemical compatibility and plasticizer use, one product may perform better than the other in a particular application. This article examines each material’s benefits, drawbacks, and common uses as they pertain to products that are generally available for variety of industries.
Study of Singlemode Expanded-Beam Terminus for Enhanced Optical Performance2014-01-21299/16/2014
Fiber optic physical contact connection technology has been used with multimode fiber in civilian aircraft for over 30 years with very good proven reliable performance. The extensive use of singlemode fiber (SMF) in FTTx Telecom market rollouts speeds up the development of passive optical components which significantly decreases the cost, expands capability and increases the reliability level of singlemode components. SMF transmission seems mandatory for future applications even in mil-aero and other harsh environment applications due to increased data rate requirements and new sensors applications. In harsh environment applications, is it realistic to use SMF with cores that are 30 times smaller in area compared to multimode fiber (MMF) when highly exposed to contamination? The present paper presents a technology of beam expansion interconnection that mixes a physical contact (PC) with an expanded optical surface. The optical connector brings together benefits of both technologies resulting in a reliable connection requiring low maintenance for SMF fiber optic applications. The study describes an optical design and packaging that is able to cope with drastic harsh environment requirements, and shows promising test results after rapid thermal change, and exposure to contamination such as water and oil, dust particles. Special design and modeling efforts are presented, leading to a minimum number of optical interfaces. As a result, a reliable optical transmission is achieved with insertion losses below 1dB and return losses better than −50dB.
Metzger, Vincent, Parker, Douglas, Philippe, Alain, Claudot, Sebastien
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