Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N152-095

Description

To address the Navys need for ultrahigh temperature (UHT) sensors for gas turbine engine applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Self-mixing Optical Sensor (SOS) for measurement of blade vibrations and tip clearances. This proposed solution is based on a sensing probe fabricated of UHT-resistant ceramics supplemented by POCs proprietary self-mixing interferometry (SMI) technology. Specifically, the innovation in use of p-SiAlCN ceramics and SMI will enable the SOS to survive UHT environments for nonintrusive measurements. The probe will incorporate a replaceable sapphire window, protecting it from oil or debris contamination while withstanding UHTs and high pressures. As a result, this sensor offers high-temperature operation >2500 deg F. The probe will be <0.25 in. in diameter and about 1 in. in length, capable of measuring three-dimensional vibrations and tip clearances of all blades without being affected by the engine case vibrations. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of SOS by fabricating a prototype and testing it in a simulated environment. In Phase II, POC plans to develop an engineering prototype, meeting all Navy requirements and test it in a representative engine environment. The Phase II SOS will reach technology readiness level (TRL)-5.