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Fiber optic connectors are passive optical components used to connect fiber joints. They are used in data and communication systems, and in ground, air and space applications. In an effort to characterize manufacturing induced stresses, and to develop health monitoring tools for fiber optic connectors, fiber grating sensors have been embedded in fiber optic connector assemblies. The goal of this research will be to develop a fiber-optic sensor capable of measuring temperature and axial strain in terminated optical fibers. Our sensors are applied to commercial fiber connector designs currently being examined for commercial and military applications. We apply in-fiber Bragg grating and In-Line Fiber Etalon structures to measure temperature and axial strain inside the connector during thermal cure of encapsulant epoxies, fiber polish procedures and under a variety of environmental conditions. Our sensor design is non-destructive and in-situ, and these sensors represent an innovative tool for measuring the mechanical performance of the connector over its life cycle. A primary benefit resulting from this research will be increased manufacturing yield of fiber optic connectors, identification of critical parameters affecting long term connector performance, and assessment of the mechanical performance of several standard fiber connector designs |
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Ongoing Projects Manufacturing Induced Stresses in Fiber Optic Connector Assemblies Failure and Degradation Mechanisms in Plastic Packaged Light Emitting Diodes |
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