Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a ruggedized photonic crystal (PC) sensor packaging. In particular, the present disclosure teaches a ruggedized packaging for a photonic crystal sensor that includes of a hermetic-seal high-temperature jacket and a ferrule that eliminate the exposure of the optical fiber as well as the critical part of the photonic crystal sensor to harsh environments. The disclosed packaging methods enable photonic crystal based sensors to operate in challenging environments where adverse environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), corrosive fluids, large temperature variations, and strong mechanical vibrations, currently exclude the use of traditional sensor technologies.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a ruggedized photonic crystal (PC) sensor packaging. In particular, the present disclosure teaches a ruggedized packaging for a photonic crystal sensor that includes of a hermetic-seal high-temperature jacket and a ferrule that eliminate the exposure of the optical fiber as well as the critical part of the photonic crystal sensor to harsh environments. The disclosed packaging methods enable photonic crystal based sensors to operate in challenging environments where adverse environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), corrosive fluids, large temperature variations, and strong mechanical vibrations, currently exclude the use of traditional sensor technologies.

Abstract: An example system includes a fuel tank, fittings mounted through a wall of the fuel tank, and optical sensors positioned within the fittings. A respective optical sensor includes a first pressure sensing end inserted through a fitting and internally into the fuel tank and a second end extending externally from the fuel tank. The system also includes an optical fiber bundle mounted external to the fuel tank, and having an optical fiber connected to each of the plurality of optical sensors for guiding light to each of the plurality of optical sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector.

Abstract: An example fuel quantity indicating system includes a fuel tank, optical sensors mounted inside the fuel tank that each include a sensor chip and a diaphragm that deflects when ambient pressure differs from a reference pressure of the sensor chip, an optical fiber bundle that has an optical fiber connected to each of the optical sensors for guiding light to each of the optical sensors, and a processor connected to the optical fiber bundle for receiving outputs of the optical sensors indicative of respective pressures, and for determining a fuel level measurement of the fuel tank based on the outputs of the optical sensors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for photonic crystals logic devices are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method for an optical logic device comprises radiating, by at least one source, at least one signal. The method further comprises reflecting at least one signal off of at least one photonic crystal, when at least one photonic crystal senses a physical phenomena of a threshold strength. Also, the method comprises not reflecting at least one signal off of at least one photonic crystal, when at least one photonic crystal does not sense the physical phenomena of the threshold strength. Further, the method comprises detecting or not detecting, by at least one detector, at least one signal.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method of manufacture are provided herein. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber comprising a terminating end surface, and a photonic crystal coupled to the terminating end surface of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Increased DC-to-AC power conversion efficiency in a scalable, flexible, resilient, cascading inverter driver topology. Plural power cells, which include a rectifier and an inverter, are arranged in a series/parallel topology. Use of plural power cells increases efficiency by reducing voltage transition losses and by increasing duty cycle. Also, the power cells output AC to an electric motor using a forward-looking controller that responds to varying power demand while maintaining motor speed at a maximum efficiency level. Power output is varied by varying the width of rectifier output pulses to the inverters while maintaining pulse voltage. Transitions between power levels are smoothed by pulse density modulation. Pulse density, determined automatically in the inverter, begins high and gradually becomes less dense so voltage changes rapidly then slowing gradually. The topology and power cell components allow faulty power cells 10 to be isolated and bypassed.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a ruggedized photonic crystal (PC) sensor packaging. In particular, the present disclosure teaches a ruggedized packaging for a photonic crystal sensor that includes of a hermetic-seal high-temperature jacket and a ferrule that eliminate the exposure of the optical fiber as well as the critical part of the photonic crystal sensor to harsh environments. The disclosed packaging methods enable photonic crystal based sensors to operate in challenging environments where adverse environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), corrosive fluids, large temperature variations, and strong mechanical vibrations, currently exclude the use of traditional sensor technologies.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a ruggedized photonic crystal (PC) sensor packaging. In particular, the present disclosure teaches a ruggedized packaging for a photonic crystal sensor that includes of a hermetic-seal high-temperature jacket and a ferrule that eliminate the exposure of the optical fiber as well as the critical part of the photonic crystal sensor to harsh environments. The disclosed packaging methods enable photonic crystal based sensors to operate in challenging environments where adverse environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), corrosive fluids, large temperature variations, and strong mechanical vibrations, currently exclude the use of traditional sensor technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring various conditions of a vehicle structure including an optical sensor comprising an optical fiber bearing a photonic crystal mounted to one end, an interrogation system including an optical signal generator interfacing with one or more of the optical sensors located remotely from the interrogation module, and a method of monitoring the vehicle structural health using the interrogation system.

Abstract: Methods and an optical interrogation system for monitoring structural health of a structure are provided. The method includes generating an optical signal using an optical signal generator, and directing the optical signal towards at least one optical sensor located remotely from the optical signal generator. The optical sensor includes a photonic crystal wafer optically interacting with the optical signal and an environmental condition. The method also includes capturing, by an optical signal receiving apparatus, a reflected optical signal reflected from the at least one optical sensor, and analyzing the reflected optical signal to determine a change in the environmental condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector.

Abstract: A system includes a battery and a power management unit connected with the battery. The power management unit controls power to the battery. A spare power unit can connect with the power management unit and the battery. The power management unit stores excess charge to the spare power unit and to divert stored charge to the battery when the battery is charged less than a determined percentage.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method of manufacture are provided herein. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber comprising a terminating end surface, and a photonic crystal coupled to the terminating end surface of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of microgrid systems which may be used as stand-alone systems or may be connected to a larger, integrated power supply system. In some embodiments, a system comprises a smart microgrid system comprising at least one electrical power bus connectable to at least one input power source by one or more switchable connections, a communication network coupled to the smart microgrid system, and a controller coupled to the communication network. In some embodiments the controller comprises logic to monitor power outputs from the at least one input power source, to monitor one or more power loads coupled to the at least one electrical power bus, and to selectively connect one or more of the input power sources to the at least one electrical power bus.

Abstract: Methods and an optical interrogation system for monitoring structural health of a structure are provided. The method includes generating an optical signal using an optical signal generator, and directing the optical signal towards at least one optical sensor located remotely from the optical signal generator. The optical sensor includes a photonic crystal wafer optically interacting with the optical signal and an environmental condition. The method also includes capturing, by an optical signal receiving apparatus, a reflected optical signal reflected from the at least one optical sensor, and analyzing the reflected optical signal to determine a change in the environmental condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product is provided for configuring a microgrid. A first configuration of the microgrid having a set of microgrid elements is initialized. An address for each element in the set of microgrid elements of the microgrid is verified. In response to receiving status data from the set of microgrid elements connected in a peer-to-peer network indicating a reconfiguration of the microgrid, the set of microgrid elements is re-aligned to form a second grid configuration. The second grid configuration is executed.