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Significant life cycle cost reduction is demonstrated (up to $25M per platform) using Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) network cost models [1]. Savings, applicable to military platforms, come from replacement of point-to-point fiber, copper cables, adding fusion spliced interconnects, and static or dynamic network capacity allocation.

International audience

Significant steps towards improved design and deployment of Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks and architectures for aircraft and ships are described, focusing on a practical, MS Excel®-based, detailed and comprehensive optical network design Cost Model. We also describe recent progress in related SAE International WDM LAN standards that define the standard Optical Network Elements (ONE) used in the Cost Model [1, 2].

International audience; In this paper, we report a specific Rayleigh-Surface Acoustic Wave (R-SAW) structure for discrete microfluidic application, especially for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to replicate DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) strands. We present a multilayer device which allows to heat microdroplets beyond the maximum temperature of the PCR. For this, we buried Interdigital Transducer (IdT) under a sputtered Aluminium Nitride (AlN) layer to electrically insulate, enhance the electromechanical couling factor and the thermal conductivity. In this way, the droplet can be deposited directly on the IdT leading to minimize all losses. Moreover, streaming in microdroplet is achieved during heating. This would promote the PCR reaction even with viscous liquids which is not possible with common thermocycler where conduction appears mainly. We have studied the heating of 10μL microdroplets with many viscosities as a function of electrical power and AlN thickness. Then, we explored the compatibility of R-SAWs and the biological species of PCR to conclude the possibility to use R-SAW for PCR applications. With the proposed multilayer device, the microdroplet has reached a temperature of more than 95°C with 3.2W which is higher than the maximum temperature required for PCR. Theses temperatures is achieved with viscous liquid above 10.8mPa.s. Then, we have shown that R-SAWs are compatible with PCR biological species whatever the time duration of irradiation and the wave’s power. For this, we have irradiated microdroplets containing all the necessary mixture of PCR before doing classical PCR and quantification. We conclude that our specific R-SAW device can be used for DNA replication by PCR.

This paper describes the use and value of digital Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks on-board small avionic and space platforms. Packaging and heat transfer efficiency are achieved when all of the optical wavelength sources occupy a common location. Each receiver is allocated a specific addressable wavelength that can be selected or tuned at the source (transmitter). Individual delays may be applied to assure synchronization at each receiver. The output of each individual source wavelength is pre-modulated with a clock signal. Signal modulation is applied by passing or rejecting the clock signals. Control plane functions can be merged with the data plane functions. Although based on a single data rate, this implementation of the digital WDM LAN concept can possibly be extended to process packet and analog payloads.

We provide baseline simulation results for cascaded Optical Crossconnects (OXCs) in an avionic WDM LAN platform, taking into consideration effects of loss and amplification for each optical network element (ONE). The simulations are supported by measurements performed on a prototype test bed, and are extended to show the effect of cascaded ONEs, including use of Optical Amplifiers (OA) if needed. The presented simulation results for 2.5Gb/s and 10Gb/s digital signals will be used to define key interfaces and optical transfer functions for the SAE International's aircraft platform WDM LAN standards.

We report the results of the implementation and testing of prototype nodes consisting of optical network elements conforming to the definitions of the SAE WDM LAN standard. Testing has validated the performance of a reference design for the SAE WDM LAN, demonstrated applications relevant to aircraft platforms, and advanced the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the constituent technologies.

A concept for the architecture of optical local area networks for aerospace applications has been established by a team of engineers representing several organizations within the aerospace industry. The concept has been derived using sound systems engineering principles, and uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to greatly increase data transmission capacity. Interoperability for the purpose of managing platform life cycle costs has been a theme throughout the effort. Technical guidance and standards documents are being co-issued within the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Aeronautical Radio Inc. (ARINC).

Programmable coherent source arrays are generated by using addressable liquid-crystal spatial light modulators and two-dimensional arrays of Fresnel lenses. The modulators used are an optically addressed liquid-crystal light valve, a matrix-addressed pixelated display, and two devices that have individually addressable elements with specially designed patterned electrodes. One such device has a transparent electrode patterned as a Fresnel zone plate array; the other is a gate array used in a hybrid implementation with a Fresnel lens array etched on a glass substrate. The operation of devices that use binary-amplitude and binary-phase Fresnel lenses is described, identifying programmable features, resolution limits, and applications.

The design and implementation of a digital (numerical) optical matrix-vector multiplier are presented. A Hughes liquid crystal light valve, the residue arithmetic representation, and a holographic optical memory are used to construct position coded optical look-up tables. All operations are performed in effectively one light valve response time with a potential for a high information density.

The benefits of introducing optical networks in aircraft applications and an overview of related networking challenges are presented in this paper. Progress in the development of WDM-based Optical Backbone Networks (OBN) standards for aircraft networks is also reviewed. Optical networks can enable flexible, high bandwidth, low cost, and low weight communication links on aircraft platforms spanning military and commercial applications. This paper highlights networking challenges (architecture, systems and technology) associated with optical networks, and delineates opportunities for fiber optic systems in aircraft platforms through a case study comparing copper-based and fiber-based cable infrastructure. The paper also presents the status of standards development by the SAE International Avionics Systems Division (ASD) AS-3 WDM LAN working group.

This paper reviews the key challenges associated with the development of optical network architectures, technologies and components for WDM-based optical networks in aircraft applications. The architecture and technology challenges highlighted are in part based on recent results from the DARPA RONIA project (contract HR0011-07-C-0028) and the DARPA/Navy NEW-HIP program (contract N00421-03-9-0002).

This paper reviews the results of the Requirements for Optical Networks in Avionics (RONIA) project providing motivation for the use of WDM-based optical networks in aircraft applications and highlights challenges to be addressed.

International audience

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology can be used to create high-capacity, rearrangeable, survivable networks for the transport of broadband services. A key factor in the successful commercialization of multi-wavelength optical networks is the availability of standards for WDM point-to-point and optical networking transmission systems. International standards recommendations are currently being formulated in the ITU (formerly CCITT) in a number of Study Groups related to multiwavelength transmission systems. In this paper, a review will be presented on the status of the recommendations in the current study period, focusing on point-to-point OC-48 WDM systems. Transmission signal parameters such as reference frequency, frequency spacing, and optical signal power levels, as well as optical supervisory channel specifications are being addressed currently. A future set of specifications related to optical networking systems will be addressed in the study period extending from 1997 to 2000.