Integrated Optical Engine for Rugged, Compact, Inexpensive Airborne Fiber Sensor Interrogators

In this program, we are proposing to develop a key optical element that is of interest for enabling next generation of miniaturized, low-cost NASA's FOSS interrogator systems. Through innovative photonic integration of key functions, the size and cost of the existing system will be reduced by an order of magnitude. This, in turn, will fulfill one of the key requirements of the solicitation, yielding a miniaturized fiber optic measurement system with low power suitable for migration to into platforms spanning from rockets, to small business class jets or UAS platforms.

Structural monitoring of aircraft and aerospace vehicles; Integrated sensor systems for monitoring strain, temperature, levels of liquids, 3D shape using a unified sensing system.

3D Shape Sensing (Aerospace, oil and gas, energy, medical) 2D Shape and Deflection Sensing (Aerospace, oil and gas, energy, medical) Strain measurement (Aerospace, oil and gas, energy, medical) Temperature measurement (Aerospace, oil and gas, energy, medical)

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.