Potential for integrated optical circuits in advanced aircraft with fiber optic control and monitoring systems

Robert J. Baumbick

doi:10.1117/12.24974

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1 February 1991 Potential for integrated optical circuits in advanced aircraft with fiber optic control and monitoring systems

Robert J. Baumbick

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Proceedings Volume 1374, Integrated Optics and Optoelectronics II; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.24974
Event: SPIE Microelectronic Interconnect and Integrated Processing Symposium, 1990, San Jose, United States

Abstract

Fiber optic technology is expected to be used in future advanced weapons platforms as well as commercial aerospace applications. Fiber optic waveguides will be used to transmit noise free high speed data between a multitude of computers as well as audio and video information to the flight crew. Passive optical sensors connected to control computers with optical fiber interconnects will serve both control and monitoring functions. Implementation of fiber optic technology has already begun. Both the military and NASA have several programs in place. A cooperative program called FOCSI (Fiber Optic Control System Integration) between NASA Lewis and the NAVY to build environmentally test and flight demonstrate sensor systems for propul sion and flight control systems is currently underway. Integrated Optical Circuits (IOC''s) are also being given serious consideration for use in advanced aircraft sys tems. IOC''s will result in miniaturization and localization of components to gener ate detect optical signals and process them for use by the control computers. In some complex systems IOC''s may be required to perform calculations optically if the technology is ready replacing some of the electronic systems used today. IOC''s are attractive because they will result in rugged components capable of withstanding severe environments in advanced aerospace vehicles. Manufacturing technology devel oped for microelectronic integrated circuits applied to IOC''s will result in cost effective manufacturing. This paper reviews the current FOCSI program and describes the role of IOC''s in FOCSI applications.

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Robert J. Baumbick "Potential for integrated optical circuits in advanced aircraft with fiber optic control and monitoring systems", Proc. SPIE 1374, Integrated Optics and Optoelectronics II, (1 February 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.24974

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