|
Optical materials and novel sensor concepts have provided the inspiration for innovations at Foster-Miller. Over the past 10 years we have developed technologies in visible and infrared optical materials and fibers, optical modeling and researched and developed fiber-optic sensors and waveguide based process analyzers. The research & development of fiber optic sensors and technologies are aimed at chemical process analysis under extreme environmental conditions of temperature and pressure. Applications include monitoring composite cure in autoclaves, measuring temperature and presence of free radicals in gas turbine engines, and identification of chemical waste and water ingress in composite bridges. Accurate measurement of multiphase flows is a challenge. In two-phase flows, the goal is not only to measure the mass flow rate, but also to measure the "quality," or the percentage of mass flow that is vapor. Foster-Miller has developed proprietary, nonlinear signal processing techniques for measuring the properties of multi-phase flows in combination with novel sensing hardware. Specific techniques have been developed that depend on the characteristics of the flow to be measured. These include RF measurement for dielectric materials, dynamic pressure measurement, ultrasound, and passive acoustic techniques. Smart materials and novel sensor concepts have provided the inspiration for innovations at Foster-Miller. We can create complete systems or individual sensors, often using specialized control algorithms, unique transduction mechanisms, wireless or netted communication architectures, and customized software to meet specific needs. Over the past 10 years Foster-Miller has developed continuous process monitors and field deployable sensors systems. These systems leverage our expertise in visible and infrared optical materials and fibers, optical modeling, fiber-optic sensors and waveguide based process analyzers. The developed sensor systems have specifically been designed for chemical and biological process analysis under ambient and extreme environmental conditions of temperature and pressure. Applications have included chemical and biological sensors for homeland security, monitoring composite cure in autoclaves, temperature and presence of free radicals in gas turbine engines, chemical waste identification and water ingress in composite bridges. Foster-Miller has developed an infrared fiber optic spectroscopic dip probe for the identification and quantification of hazardous liquid wastes such as fuels, lubricants and solvents stored at Air Force bases. Coupled to a portable spectrometer, this probe can automatically characterize these wastes which are often contained in complex mixtures in drums or tanks. ElectrotextilesWearable electronic devices are rapidly gaining prominence both in the military and in the commercial world, although major technical deficiencies remain in the area of packaging and interconnection. Electronics designers have typically focused on device design without considering the huge disparity between the performance of an unpackaged device in a laboratory setting and its performance in the field. Foster-Miller has established itself as the leader in developing and delivering practical solutions for wearable electronics networks with cables and connectors that are as flexible as the fabric itself. One area Foster-Miller has been working on is attachment of wearable flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs). This work focuses on integration of the textile and printed circuit board fields, specifically materials modifications necessary to enable the high flexibility of textiles as well as practical issues of mechanical wear and machine washing durability. For example, we are adapting RF welding technology, commonly used in the garment industry, for textile electronics attachment. RF welding attaches large polymeric patches to clothing resulting in a secure, washable fabric that can withstand rubbing and abrasion. Our simple modification of the technology provides allows fabrication of waterproof electronic packages that are conformal to the textile and resist detachment. Foster-Miller has pioneered innovations utilizing both infrared and visible radiation for remote chemical and biological sensing and surface characterization. It has developed and fielded numerous optical sensor systems for chemical agent detection and process monitoring. In addition, Foster-Miller has expertise in algorithm development, chem-bio threat containment and decontamination technologies. Our Optical Sensing development team demonstrated the feasibility of developing a low-cost, compact infrared Chemical Threat Monitor (CTM) that could rapidly assess the presence of chemical threats in the atmospheric vapor phase or in a liquid phase on surfaces. This palm- sized, handheld instrument combines our patented optical waveguide technology with our pioneering experience in the development of novel infrared fiber optic probes.
Printable Version
|
