Francisco Pena, Iii

Title: Francisco Pena, III: Innovator in Fiber Optic Technology

Introduction

Francisco Pena, III is a notable inventor based in Valencia, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of fiber optic technology, particularly in the monitoring of structural displacements. His innovative approach combines advanced sensing techniques with quaternion kinematic shape sensing.

Latest Patents

Pena holds a patent for a "Fiber optic system for monitoring displacement of a structure using quaternion kinematic shape sensing." This method and system are designed to render the quaternion shape and orientation of three-dimensional structures. The system effectively tracks twist and roll angles, updating their effects on pitch and yaw orientations. It utilizes a single or multi-core optical fiber or a multi-fiber bundle containing fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs) arranged in rosettes at 45° deltas, spaced uniformly along the monitored structure. A tunable laser interrogates the sensors using optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), detecting shifts in the wavelength reflected by the sensors in response to strain on the fibers. The software continuously queries each sensor to determine the strain magnitude (ΔL/L) for each fiber at a given triplet. Based on these measured strain values, the software implements a novel quaternion approach to render the 3D shape of the fiber, including twist.

Career Highlights

Pena's career is marked by his work with the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA. His innovative contributions have advanced the understanding and application of fiber optic systems in structural monitoring.

Collaborations

Pena has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Allen R Parker, Jr and William Lance Richards. Their combined expertise has furthered the development of advanced sensing technologies.

Conclusion

Francisco Pena, III is a distinguished inventor whose work in fiber optic technology has paved the way for innovative solutions in structural monitoring. His contributions continue to impact the field significantly.