Efficient Acoustic-Optical Fiber Coupling for Enhanced Sensor Response

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Abstract:

In this three-year program, the research team designed, fabricated, characterized and optimized acoustic couplers for the distributed fiber optic acoustic sensing systems. Exhaustive theoretical analyses and experimental work was performed to evaluate a number of different designs to include metallic and fused silica splayed fiber coupler, tapered fiber couplers, split, side-slot, biconical and bi-exponential and wire horn couplers; multiple welding, polishing and adhesive techniques were also investigated. An improved FBG-based acoustic detection system was designed and constructed for automatic environmental compensation and advanced signal processing schemes were demonstrated to enhance acoustic detection. A 2.7 times coupling efficiency enhancement was demonstrated with a metallic splayed wire coupler. All milestones were met and two intellectual property disclosures were submitted to Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties (VTIP) for consideration for filing with the United States Patent Office.

Author(s):
Pickrell, Gary
Author Organization(s):
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST BLACKSBURG
Funding Organization(s):
OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH ARLINGTON VA, ARLINGTON, VA
Document Type:
Technical Report/Final Report
Publication Date:
2023 Aug 18
Pagination:
36

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release.
Copyright: Not Copyrighted

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Descriptor(s):
materials science, acoustic detection, optical materials, acoustic waveguides, students, composite materials, detection, detectors, fiber bragg gratings, acoustic waves, materials, optical fibers, fabrication, frequency response, materials processing, materials testing, professional development
Keyword(s):
Acoustic-Optical Fiber Coupling, Enhanced Sensor Response, splayed fiber couplers, splayed wire couplers, integrated solid horns, mechanical coupling, fbg (FIBER BRAGG GRATINGS), FBG-based acoustic detection systems, tdr (time domain reflectometry), edm (electrical discharge machining), tapered trenches, split horn couplers, direct wire-to-fiber coupling, horn designs
Subject Categories:
Navigation, Detection and Countermeasures
Creation Date:
2023 Sep 26
Update Date:
2023 Dec 14