ISR research accomplishments
Integration of Micro-Optics for Safety and Arming Systems
Research team
D. DeVoe (ME/ISR), S. Chen, M. Beamesderfer (UMd) E. Litcher (Naval Surface Warfare Center)
Accomplishment
Provides an optical configuration
coupled with a LIGA or DRIE based micro-actuator to provide a
junction between a low power input and a high power output, which
allows for “fail-safe” activation and termination of
an optical path.
Design test platforms for optical energy transport under prescribed fiber/barrier configurations. Investigate and design monolithic structures for on-chip fiber optic packaging for MOEMS.
Optical Configuration Analysis. Fiber Optic Packaging Structures in Monolithic MOEMS Structures
Arrays of optical
fiber channels allow for characterization of required clamping
force under thermal cycling and withdrawal forces. Monolithic structures
allow for optical fiber packaging without additional wafer processing. Changes in fiber
positioning are monitored interferometrically via embedded Fabry-Perot
cavities.
Impact
Safety and Arming Systems (S&A)
provide a mechanism for preventing unwanted detonation of ordinance. MEMS technology allows miniaturized
S&A devices with multiple functionality (energy conversion,
environmental sensing, detonation. Monolithic fiber optic packaging
structures for MOEMS present a highly advantageous method for
secure optical system integration without additional wafer processes.
For more information
M. Beamesderfer, S. Chen, D. DeVoe, E. Litcher, K. Johnson, “An Analysis of MEMS Based Optical Energy Interrupter for MEMS Based Safety and Arming Systems,” SPIE vol. 3880, Micromachining and Microfabrication, 1999.
