Kent Optronics, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N221-078

Description

In this SBIR Phase I proposal, we propose to design, develop, and mature a monolithic and stationary liquid crystal (LC) multi-functional integrated optical circuit (LC-MIOC) with precisely tuned 50/50 split ratio for Interferometric Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOG).  The stationary monolithic LC-MIOC device is built on the standard Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) wave guide (WG) plate with the addition of a thin electro-optically active LC layer.  The final product is the pigtailed LC-MIOC module package with one input and two output fiber ports, similar to the standard MIOC product, with the minimal impact on size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP). By electronically addressing the LC, the LC-MIOC splits the input beam into two equal beams with <0.1% accuracy.  The fully packaged LC-MIOC modules will reach technology readiness level (TRL)³8/9 that can be mass-produced with manufacturing readiness level (MRL)³7. It can be readily integrated into a standard Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG). Phase I efforts are to design, develop, and demonstrate feasibility of the LC-MIOC in the 1550nm spectral range showing the capability to meet all the design goals. In Phase II, fully packaged LC-MIOC prototype will be developed, qualified and delivered, reach TRL>6.