RSL MANTECH Program

	WPI News Releases
November 15, 2002	REMOTE SOURCE LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES THROUGH MANTECH PROGRAM

     Remote Source Lighting (RSL) technology garnered support for integration into the next class of the U.S. Navy combat ships during a recent presentation outside Washington, DC. Over 60 attendees viewed a demonstration of a new RSL system and how it can improve shipboard lighting systems.
    RSL technology uses fiber optics to separate the light emission point from the power and light source by up to several hundred feet. Multiple locations can be illuminated from a single source, offering many advantages over traditional lighting, particularly in rugged and harsh environments.
    The development of the RSL system was through a joint manufacturing technology program, MANTECH Issue N2059, funded by the Office of Naval Research through the Penn State Electro Optics Center. The program combined the expertise of several organizations, including the Team Leader, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, PolyMicro Technologies, Chromatic Technologies, Omni Technologies and RSL Fiber Systems, LLC.
    The RSL MANTECH program demonstrated a new approach of involving a team comprised of several members of industry to collaborate on the improvement of a critical shipboard-based system. Each partner held responsibility for the development of its portion of a task, with RSL Fiber Systems responsible for manufacturing and integrating all of the components into a functional illumination system.
    Richard Henson, MANTECH Programs Manager of the Office of Naval Research, said that the RSL MANTECH program showed "a strong commitment from industry and a true partnership."
    The RSL MANTECH Project Group completed all of the critical design tasks that were outlined in an original statement of work. In some areas, the program resulted in performance enhancements six to tenfold the level of the baseline system. The program also exceeded the goals and created the foundation for future research, including Night Vision Device (NVD) compatible lighting and general lighting enhancement, while it improved cost efficiencies.
    The RSL MANTECH program tasks had four main goals, including:
    -Development of the optical fiber to improve the transmission of light for high throughput.
    -Development of the fiber optic cable with improved thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, and
     improved flame resistance.
    -Improved collection and coupling efficiency of the Illumination system.
    -Integration of the components into a functional Remote Source Lighting system.
    Bob Morais, Northrop Grumman Ship System's Program Manager, told the audience, "everything you see here today is built to these specifications. We are getting a lot of light into a very small hole and this is the only system in the world to do that."

Background Information
RSL Fiber Systems, LLC, is a joint venture between WPI Interconnect Products and The Skyler Technologies Group. Some of the benefits of RSL technology include the following:
· Improved efficiency and reduction in maintenance time and cost.
· The optical fibers used as light conductors and the light emitters generate no electrical signal or heat, becoming virtually undetectable. These stealth capabilities are especially important in military applications due to the security requirements.
· RSL allows for the use of active filters to greatly reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet energy introduced into a space.
· Enhanced safety in wet or explosive environments.
· Ability to precisely shape and target the light output.

About WPI
WPI Interconnect Products is a privately owned connector, wire harness and cable, and fiber optic assembly manufacturer who designs and produces a wide range of standard and custom commercial, industrial and military products. WPI's worldwide locations offer fully integrated services, from the initial design to assembly of finished interconnection products. For more information on all WPI Interconnect Products, phone 856-935-7370; fax 856-935-3093, email info@wpi-interconnect.com, or connect to our website at http://www.wpi-interconnect.com.

About Skyler Technologies
The Skyler Technologies Group consists of a team of fiber optic industry executives providing professional services in product design, training, strategic planning and program management. For more information on the services of The Skyler Technologies Group, phone 860-742-2910, fax 860-742-2240, email gptomasi@skylergroup.com, or consult the website at http://www.skylergroup.com.

News Page