SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION

PROJECT SUMMARY

Proposal Number:

08.03-2820

Project Title:

OPTICAL LINKS FOR CRYOGENIC FOCAL PLANE ARRAY READOUT

Technical Abstract:

Visidyne proposes to demonstrate an innovative design for transporting and converting wide dynamic range, large bandwidth FPA signals into a digitized data stream by using a unique combination of an optical phase modulator, fiber optics, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) tools. The proposal addresses NASA's stated interest in techniques for readout of cryogenic sensors by optical means. Link distance can be large, heat losses are expected to be minimal, and operating temperatures down to 5 K should ultimately be attain- able. The objective of the Phase I effort is to prove the feasibility of the concept by designing and building a breadboard device and making performance measurements to characterize its performance. A Bandwidth of 10 MHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 104, and < 1 mW loading into the dewar is the anticipated result. Once fully developed, the designers of cryogenic infrared sensors will be able replace many of the metal wires which must penetrate the dewar in present systems with a pair of fused silica optical fibers, thus dramatically reducing the thermal loading. Space based infrared systems will consume less cryogen and therefore last longer and be cheaper to launch, a sizable benefit to NASA.

Potential Commercial Applications:

This technology may find application anywhere wide dynamic range, large bandwidth signals need to be transported in environments that are difficult for electrical signals carried over ohmic conductors, i.e. severe EMI, very high or low temperatures, corrosive or explosive atmospheres, etc. In addition to space-based cryogenic sensors for scientific, military, and commercial use, it will be valuable in difficult industrial environments, such as chemical processing.

Name and Address of Offeror:

Visidyne, Inc
10 Corporate Place,
South Bedford Street
Burlington, MA 01803-5168