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Johnson
Space Center
1993 Phase II
Smart Laser
Ignitor for Reaction Control System (RCS) Thrusters
Duncan
Technologies, Inc.
Auburn, CA
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INNOVATION
Lower Power thermal
ignition using diode laser optical source.
Built in Test allowing
complete system verification without propellants present.
No inherent life limiting components.
Innovative Optical Coupler Component.
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Optional Powerpoint
file
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Laser ignition demonstrated
with O2/H2 thruster
- Parametic experiments demonstrated
insensitivity to Oxidizer-Fuel ratio (O/F) and pressure
- Number of employees tripled
in last year
- Pursuing main propulsion igniter
market for Recoverable launch Vehicle (RLV)
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COMMERCIALIZATION
- RCS and main propulsion
for RLVs
- High reliability,
verifiable igniter markets
- System requiring repeated
ignition or multiple ignition locations such as industrial furnaces
- Applications requiring
low electromagnetic interference (EMI) compared to spark igniters
- Pursuing Licensing
of Optical Coupler Component
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GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE
APPLICATIONS
- Laser ignition system provides
key features required for successful RLV development: Built in test.
Long life. No maintenance between mission. Light weight, and
Low cost.
- Small rocket engine applications
using non-toxic propellants (compared to frequently used hypergolic
systems
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| For more
information about this firm, please send e-mail to company
representative
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|
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