Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is widely accepted as a means to reduce and eliminate the fossil fuel CO2 (ff-
CO2) emissions from coal fired power plants. Success of CCS depends on near zero leakage rates over decadal time
scales. Currently no commercial methods to determine leakage of ff-CO2 are available. The Global Monitor Platform
(GMP) field analyzer provides high precision analysis of CO2 isotopes [12C (99%), 13C (<1%), 14C (1.2x10-10 %)] that
can differentiate between fossil and biogenic CO2 emissions. Fossil fuels contain no 14C; their combustion should lower
atmospheric amounts on local to global scales. There is a clear mandate for monitoring, verification and accounting
(MVA) of CCS systems nationally and globally to verify CCS integrity, treaty verification (Kyoto Protocol) and to
characterize the nuclear fuel cycle. Planetary Emissions Management (PEM), working with the National Secure
Manufacturing Center (NSMC), has the goal of designing, ruggedizing and packaging the GMP for field deployment.
The system will conduct atmosphere monitoring then adapt to water and soil evaluations. Measuring 14CO2 in real time
will provide quantitative concentration data for ff-CO2 in the atmosphere and CCS leakage detection. Initial results will
be discussed along with design changes for improved detection sensitivity and manufacturability.
The design and characterization of small, ruggedized laser-optical subsystems is required for the continued development
of robust laser-optical firing systems. Typically, these subsystems must be capable of generating the needed laser optical
energy, delivering that energy via fiber-optical cables while occupying a volume as small as possible. A novel beam
splitting and fiber injection scheme has been proposed which utilizes two diffractive optical components. These
components were utilized to reduce the volume of a previously designed system. A laser-optical prototype system was
assembled and tested which utilized this beam splitting and fiber injection scheme along other modifications to the laser
module and power supply. This prototype was based on earlier designs that utilized environmentally proven opto-mechanical
sub-assemblies. The system was tested to characterize the laser performance, the splitter-coupler
transmission efficiency, channel-to-channel energy balance and fiber interchangeability. The results obtained for this
design will be compared to the performance of a prototype system based on a more traditional beam splitting and fiber
injection scheme. The traditional design utilized partially reflecting mirrors for beam splitting and plano-convex lenses
for fiber injection. These results will be discussed as will their ultimate impact on future designs and packaging
strategies.
The design and packaging of laser-optical system was tested to harsh environments outside lab conditions and post
mortem activities will be discussed. Previously, custom mounts and bonded optical assemblies were environmentally
tested to ensure their survivability. The results verified the sub-assemblies would enable the design of a laser-optical
initiation system that could be fielded for use in extreme conditions.
The design package, which utilized the proven opto-mechanical sub-assemblies, was then tested to the same levels as the
sub-assemblies. The test regiment encompassed the harshest environments currently utilized. Temperature tests were
performed ranging from a maximum of +75 degrees C to a minimum of -55 degrees C, allowing for two hour soak at
each temperature set point. Vibration tests were performed to a maximum level of 15.5 grms for forty seconds in each of
three critical axes. Shock tests were performed to a maximum impulse level of 5700 G's for the sub-assemblies with a
1.1 millisecond long pulse; whereas the packaged laser system maximum level reached was 3700 G's at 1.1 millisecond
long pulse. The laser-optical assembly was visually inspected and functionally tested before and after each test to verify
survival. As designed, the system covers were laser welded shut for hermetic seal. The only open port was the laser
output for testing and verification of laser performance. No optical cables were utilized. Therefore the visual inspection
of the interior was performed post mortem. The post mortem results will be discussed as will the potential of redesigns
on future packaging strategies.
The characterization of laser-optical subsystems packaged for survivability in harsh environments is crucial for the
development of robust laser-optical firing systems. Previously, custom mounts and bonded optical assemblies were
environmentally tested to ensure their survivability1. The results verified the sub-assemblies would enable the design of
a laser-optical initiation system that could be fielded for use in extreme conditions.
A design package, which utilized the proven opto-mechanical sub-assemblies, was selected. This design was based on
past experience and desired performance criteria. The packaged laser-optical assembly was tested to the same
environmental levels as the sub-assemblies. This test regiment encompassed the harshest environments currently
utilized. Temperature tests were performed ranging from a maximum of +75 degrees C to a minimum of -55 degrees C,
allowing for a two hour soak at each temperature set point. Vibration tests were performed to a maximum level of 15.5
grms for forty seconds in each of three critical axes. Shock tests were performed until failure which was an impulse
level of 5700 G's with a 1.1 millisecond long pulse. The laser-optical assembly was visually inspected and functionally
tested before and after each test to verify survival. As designed, the system was intended to be hermetically sealed via
laser welding. Therefore the visual inspection of the interior was performed post mortem. Experimental results obtained
from the environmental tests will be discussed as will their impact on future packaging strategies.
The characterization of mounted and/or bonded optical assemblies for survivability in harsh environments is crucial for
the development of robust laser-optical firing systems. Customized mounts, bonded assemblies and packaging strategies
were utilized for each of the laser resonator optics with the goal of developing and fielding a reliable initiation system
for use in extreme conditions. Specific components were selected for initial testing based on past experience, material
properties and optical construction. Shock, vibration and temperature testing was performed on three mounted optical
components; polarizing cube beam splitters, Q-switch assemblies and xenon flashlamps.
Previously, flashlamps of a solder-sealed construction type were successfully tested and characterized. This test regiment
characterized the more fragile glass-to-metal seal constructed flashlamps. Components were shock-tested to a maximum
impulse level of 5700 G's with a 1.1 millisecond long pulse. Vibration tests were performed to a maximum level of 15.5
grms for forty seconds in each of three axes. During each test, components were functionally tested and visually
inspected at a specified point to verify survival. Temperature tests were performed over a range extending from a
maximum of 75 degrees C to a minimum of -55 degrees C, allowing for a two hour soak at each temperature set point.
Experimental results obtained from these tests will be discussed as will their impact on future component mounting
strategies.
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