Amplificateurs à fibre dopée à l'erbium innovants destinés aux applications de rayonnement et aux environnements hostiles

PROJECT COST:

200 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

80 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

The primary objective of this project is to enhance the operational performance and extend the service lifetime of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) in extreme environments, including exposure to X-ray and gamma radiation, for applications in the automotive, subsea, and aerospace sectors. The project spans the full innovation pipeline, from fundamental research to the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of advanced optical fibers. By combining expertise in optics and nanomaterials science, the proposed approach seeks to improve the radiation tolerance and long-term stability of EDFAs. This will be achieved through the in-situ synthesis of erbium-based nanoparticles within optical fibers to enhance their resistance to ionizing radiation. Three complementary processing strategies will be explored: thermal treatment, laser and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and electron-beam processing, all of which can be implemented by the first industrial partner, MPB Technologies Inc. In parallel, the second industrial partner, Plasmionique Inc., will develop protective coatings based on pure metals and metal–polymer composites to further improve device durability. Advanced analytical techniques, supported by computational modeling and experimental characterization, will be used to evaluate material performance, followed by irradiation testing designed to replicate the operating conditions encountered in space environments. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver radiation-hardened EDFAs through scalable manufacturing processes that can be readily transferred to the production facilities of MPB Technologies and Plasmionique, facilitating their deployment in satellites and space exploration systems.