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Infrared Fibers for Use in Space-Based Smart StructuresInfrared optical fibers are finding a number of applications including laser surgery, remote sensing, and nuclear radiation resistant links. Utilizing these fibers in space-based structures is another application, which can be exploited. Acoustic and thermal sensing are two areas in which these fibers could be utilized. In particular, fibers could be embedded in IM7/8552 toughened epoxy and incorporated into space structures both external and internal. ZBLAN optical fibers are a candidate, which have been studied extensively over the past 20 years for terrestrial applications. For the past seven years the effects of gravity on the crystallization behavior of ZBLAN optical fiber has been studied. It has been found that ZBLAN crystallization is suppressed in microgravity. This lack of crystallization leads to a fiber with better transmission characteristics than its terrestrial counterpart.
Document ID
20010039410
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tucker, Dennis S.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Nettles, Alan T.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Brantley, Lott W.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Subject Category
Optics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Eighth International Conference on Composites Engineering
Location: Tenerife
Country: Spain
Start Date: August 5, 2001
End Date: August 11, 2001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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