High Performance Fluoride Fiber for IR Optic Applications

Award Information

Agency: Department of Defense	Branch: Air Force	Award ID: 67401	Program Year/Program: 2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number: F041-007-2532	Solicitation Year: N/A	Solicitation Topic Code: N/A	Solicitation Number: N/A

Small Business Information: Materials & Electrochemical Research (ME
7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ -
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Woman-Owned: No

Minority-Owned: No

HUBZone-Owned: No

Phase 1: Fiscal Year: 2004

Title: High Performance Fluoride Fiber for IR Optic Applications

Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF

Contract: FA9451-04-M-0084

Award Amount: $100,000.00

Abstract:
Fluoride glass has a very small loss compared to other fibers. The loss for fluoride glass fiber can be as low as 0.003 dB/m. Compared to silica, IR fibers usually have higher loss, larger refractive indices and dn/dT, lower melting or softening points, and greater thermal expansion. The higher dn/dT and low melting or softening point leads to thermal lensing and low laser induced damage thresholds for some of the fibers. The application of fluoride glass can be extended to a wide range of IR applications if a higher strength and high melting/softening material can be achieved. This program proposes an innovative fluoride fiber. The high melting point and high strength can enhance its bending radius, increase length, increase energy capability, and decrease diameter. The continuous process can also lower the cost.

Principal Investigator:
Ching-Fong Chen
Senior Research Engineer
5205741980
mercorp@mercorp.com

Business Contact:
R.O.Loutfy
President
5205741980
rloutfy@mercorp.com

Small Business Information at Submission:

MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP.
7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706

EIN/Tax ID: 860530946

DUNS: N/A

Number of Employees:

Woman-Owned: No

Minority-Owned: No

HUBZone-Owned: No