Fiber-Optic Systems at the Explosive Pulsed Power Test Facility at AFRL

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) located on Kirtland Air Force Base performs explosive pulsed power experiments [1] - [3]. The large separation distances between the related subsystems of these shots increase the likelihood of inadvertent multiple electrical ground connections. This paper describes some of the fiber-optic devices routinely used during our explosive power tests to mitigate the problems associated with ground loops.