Press Releases > Compact Optical Fiber For Extreme Environments (COFFEE)

Compact Optical Fiber For Extreme Environments (COFFEE)

Press Release

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to develop a fiber magnetometer system for the detection of pulsed magnetic fields.

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes the refinement and development of the Compact Optical Fiber For Extreme Environments (COFFEE) sensor. The design of the sensor is to measure fast, transient magnetic fields generated in military system components due to nuclear weapons effects (NWE) such as Internal Electromagnetic Pulse (IEMP) and System Generated EMP (SGEMP). Presently, these fields are measured with small induction coils that are limited by electromagnetic interference susceptibility, finite size constraints, and proximity within a test object. The COFFEE system will provide a low-profile sensor that combined with the polarimetry system to measure magnetic fields based on the Faraday effect in a small section of doped glass fiber. The fiber sensing element will be designed to achieve accurate measurements of the magnetic fields during operation in a high energy, pulsed X-ray environment.

For more information contact:

Dr. Joel Hensley
Vice President, Photonics Enterprise
hensley@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship:  This work is supported under a contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).  This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.