Self-insulating high bandwidth connector

Abstract

A high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector is provided that includes first and second connectors each having free space optical transceivers. The electrical connector further includes self-passivating transition metal contacts that form a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in a fluid. The first and second free space optical transceivers transmit and receive data at high data speeds.

Description

SELF~INSULATING HIGH BAND'WJDTH CONNECTOR TECHN lCAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to electrical connectors, and more specifically to a system comprising a high data transfer rate hybrid electrical and optical connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional wet mate connectors that provide high--power and high-bandwidth are large, heavy, unreliable, and difficult to rnate underwater. Conventional connectors have a limited number of insertions and are extremely expensive to manufacture due to their size. Large unmanned underwaler vehicles (UUV) or remok' operating vehicles (ROV) are required LO matt· these connectors on the ocean floor. ]n other ·words, conventional connectors are large. bulky, and difficult to mate nnden,vater thus., conventional connectors require expensive infrastmctnre along with the UUV's or ROV's to mate the connectors. As a result establishing a large and flexible network utilizing conventional connectors is very time consuming, risky, cost prnh1hilive, and difficult to implement. S"U1vIMARY [00031 The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of the subject disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of lhe subject disclosure. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope of the subject disclosure. Ils sole purpose is to present some concepts of lhe subject disclosure in a sirnplified fonn as a prelude to the more deraiJeti description that is pn.'.sented later.

[0004] One example of the subject disclosure, a system that includes a first connector including first cuntacls and a firsl uptical assembly tu transmit and receive rree space optical signals and a second connector including second contacts and a second optical assembly to transmit and receive the free space optical signals. At least one contact from the first contacts and at least one contact from the second contacts that aligns with the at !east one contact frorn the first contacts being made from a sdf-passivating transition metal that has a property of forming a 1 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 non-conductive outer layer when subjected to an adverse environment. The first and second connectors ,1re coupled to substantially align and enclose the firsl and second oplical assernblies, wherein when subjected to the adverse environment, a fluid-filled gap is formed between the first optical assembly and the second optical assembly in response to mating the first and second connectors.

[0005] Another example of the subject disclosure includes c1 high-hand width underwater electrical connector that includes a first connector including first contacts having at least one first se1f-passivating transition meta1 contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed 1n adverse cffv1ronmcnt to lransmit power and a first free space optical assembly to transmil and receive free space optical signals, The connector fmther includes a second connector including second contacts having at least one second self-passivating transition metal contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in the adverse environment to receive power and a second free space optical assembly to transmit and receive the free space optical signals, the first and second connectors being configured to be coupled to substantially align and enclose the first and second free space optical assemblies. \Vhen subjected to the adverse environment. a fluid-· filled gap is formed between lhe first and second free space optical assemblies in response to fastening the first and second connectors and •vvhere the first and second free space optical assemblies transmit and receive the free space optical signals.

[0006] In stil1 m1otber example of the subject disclosure includes a method for transmitting free space optical signals canying data. The method includes immersing a first connector and a second connector in an adverse environment, the first connector includes first contacts having at least one first sclf-passivaling transition metal contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in ihe adverse environment and a first free space optical lransceiver. The second connector includes second contacts having at least one second selfpassivating transition metal contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in the fluid and a second free space optical transceiver, the at least one first self.-passivating transition metal contact being aligned with and connected to the at least one second self-passivating transition metal contact. The first and second connectors are mated to provide an electrical connection bet\.veen the first 2 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 contacts an<l the second contacts to conduct power between the first and second connectors and lo form a fluid-filled gap between lhe first free space optical transceiver and the second free space optical transceiver. The first and second free space optical transceivers transmit and receive the free space optical signals through the fluid-filled gap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accornpanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specificat1on, illustrate various systems, methods, and other examples of the disclosure. rllustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries, In snme examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In som,, examples, an element shovvn as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an exterm1! component and vice versa.

[0008] FIG. l illustrates an example schematic diagram of an example bigl1-bandwidth connector system.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an exan1ple of a high-bandwidth electrical connector.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates: a perspective view of an example of a firs:t mating component of the example high-bandwidth dectrical connector. [OOH] FIG. 4 illustrate~ an end vievv of the example first m,:iting component of the example high-bandwidth electrical connector,

[0012] FIO. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a secolid rnating component of the example high-bandwidth electrical nmncctor.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an end vievv of the exarnp1e second mating component of the example high-bandwidth electJical connector. [O(l14] FIG. 7 ilfosrrates a perspective, cut-out view of the example high-band width connector illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates n perspective view of an example free space optical (FSO) assembly. 3 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective, cut out view of an example optical housing and FSO lransceiver.

[0017] FICi. 10 illustrates an example of a method for transm1tting a large amount of data in an underwater connector at a high data speed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [(HHS] The disclosure is now described \vith reft::rence to lhe dravvings, 1.vherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, ftlf purposes of explanation, numerous specific details arc set forth in order lo provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It may be evident, however, that the subject disclosure crrn be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-knov.,·n structures and devices are shown in block diagram form ln order to facilitate describing the subject disclosure.

[0019] \Vhile specific characteristics are described herein (e.g., thickness, orientation, configuration, clc.), it is to be understood that the features, functions and benefits of the subject disclosure can employ characteristics that vary from those described herein. These alternatives are to be included \Vi thin the scope of the disclosure and claims appended hereto,

[0020] The cmTent connector technology used to transfer high--power and large amounts of data quickly underwater is bulky, expensive, or unable to meet the high-power and highbandwidth demands of the growing underwater technology community. Wet mate communication grade cables are not self-insulating, require dexterity and significant force to rnate, and have a very limited connection life. Long range free space optical (FSO) devices, such as the Bluccomm series, rrrc designed for more omnidirectional communication at significant distances (e.g., greater than 5 meters). Because of these requirements, the devices are 1argt~, expensive, power-hungry, and have a lmv data bandwidth. The use of long range FSO devices would be limited in an ever-growing seabed network Vv'ith bigh-bandvvidth needs especially since the devices cannot provide power. Wireless pmver connectors have potential for use in an unden:vater network but are expensive, bulky and heavy. Another dravvback is that they impose an electrical efficiency penalty, paid in the form of the transmission technique. 4 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25

[0021] In order to overcome these obstacles, disclosed herein is an example of a highpower, high-bandwidth electrical connector for use in corrosive or adverse environments such as being immersed in water ( e.g., seawater, saltwater, well water, river water, lake water, etc.) or other electrolytic fluid. The electrical connector utilizes free space optical (FSO) communication devices to transmit and receive large amounts of data at high data rates (high-bandwidth) of approximately 10 Gbps. Specifically, the FSO devices use short range light to transfer the data at high data rates. The electrical connector further includes electrical contacts that can transmit and provide power ifrequired for a desired power application. The contacts, i.e. the anodic contact, are made from a self-passivating transition metal (e.g., niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, etc.). Self-passivating transition metals form an insulation layer or non-conductive passivation outer layer on the surface of the contact to protect the contact from the corrosive effects of an adverse environment (e.g., seawater, saltwater, well water, river water, lake water, etc.), as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,893,460.

[0022] The high-bandwidth connector includes three sections for data handling: 1) incoming / outgoing data; 2) translation of data; and 3) FSO communications. The incoming data from a device travels along a traditional copper or fiber optic pathway inside the connector's cable. Once the incoming signal arrives at the high-bandwidth underwater connector, a processor ( e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.) translates the data into differential pair signals. These signals are then passed to an FSO transceiver which sends the data through a laser beam. This beam and translated differential pair signals are received by the other connector's FSO transceiver. The signals are then read and translated by an FPGA in the receiving connector and transmitted to a receiving device through an electric or fiber optic pathway. Power for the FPGA and FSO devices is leeched from the power cables passing through the high-bandwidth underwater connector. 5 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a system to enable mating and unrnating of exposed electrical conlacts in an underwater environment that includes optical data communication devices that transfer data at a high speed or data rate (e.g., approximately 10 Gbps). Specifically, disclosed herein is a system comprised of a high-bandwidth underwater electrical conneclor 100 thal includes rree space optical devices that transfers data al a high speed via short range (e.g., less than 6 cm) light vvaves (e.g., laser). For purposes herein, the connector vvill be refened to as a "high-bandw·idtb connector" and will be described as being immersed in a water environment. It is understood however, that the high-bandwidth connector can be exposed to any type of adverse cnvironrncnt such as those mentioned above that would have an adverse effect on the connector including 11011--underwater adverse environments, e.g,, chemical plants.

[0024] Still referring to F1G. l, the high-bandw·idtb connector 100 includes a first connector (mating component) 102 having a first housing and a second connector (mating component) 10,; having a second bousing. The first connector 102 includes one or more first optical (e.g., FSO) data communication assemblies 106. Each first optical assembly 106 includes a first FSO lransceiver 108 mounted to a first piinted circuit brnml (PCB) 110 and a first processor 112 connected to the PCB 110. Data signals are communicated from a first external electrical device 114 via traditional copper or fiber optic cables to and from the first processor 112. The first processor 112 translates the incoming data signals into a differential pair signals and communicates them to the first PSO transceiver 108. Similarly, outgoing data signals are transmitted from the first FSO transceiver 108 to the first processor 112 whereupon the first processor 112 processes the outgoing data signals and transmits the outgoing data signals to the first exlernal electrical device 114 along the sarne copper or fiber optic cables. In one example, the first processor 112 can be an FPGA., an ASIC, a DSP, etc. that can he programmed and depending on the processor re-programmed to a given communication configuration based on the application of the high--bandwidth connector 100.

[0025] The first connector 102 funher includes first electrical contacls 116 having at least one fo·st contact (e.g., anodic contact) made from a self-passivati11g transition rnetal (e.g., niobium_ 6 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, rntheni.um. rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rheniurn, osmium, iridium, etc.). Electrical contacts rnade from a transition metal are suilab1e for rnating and un-mating in an underwater or adverse environment due to the formation of a nonconducfrve passivation outer layer 118 that forms on the firSL electrical contacl:s 116 when immersed in a fluid sucb as waler. As mentioned above, the passjyation ouler layer 118 protects the conlact from the corrosive effects of an adverse environment such as in fluids. such as water (e.g., seavvater, salt\valeT, \vell water, river water, lake water, etc.). The term contact can refer to any type of electricaliy conducting mating component, such as pins, receptors, plates, etc.

[0026] Still referring to FIG. 1, the second connector 104 includes a one or more second optical (e.g., FSO) data communication assemblies 120. Each second optical assembly 120 includes a second FSO transceiver 122 mounted to a second PCB 124 and a second processor 126 connected to the second PCB 124. Data signals are communicated from a second external eleclrical device 128 via traditional copper or fiber optic cabks to and from the second processor 126. The second processor 126 translates the incoming data signals into a differential pair signals and communicates them to the second FSO transceiver 122. Similarly, outgoing dala signals are lnmsmitted from the second FSO transceiver 122 to the second processor 126 ,vhereupon the second processor 126 processes the outgoing data signals and transmits the outgoing data sigrmls lo the second external electrical device 128 along lhe sarne copper or fiber optic cables. In one example, tl1e second processor 126 can be an FPGA, 3J:i ASIC, a DSP, etc. that can be programmed and depending on the processor re-programmed lo a given communication configuration based on the application of the high-bandw·idth connector 100.

[0027] The second connector 104 forther includes second clcct1ical contacts 130 having at kast one second contact (e.g., an anodic contact) made frorn lhe self-passi vating transition metal (e.g., niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafniurn, tungsten, rhenium, osrniurn, iridium, etc.). Thus, similar to the at least one first transition metal contact, the non--conductive passivation outer layer 118 forms on the at least one second transition metal ('.0ntact to protect the contacts from the corrosive effects of the adverse environment and prevents conduction between the anodic and cathodic contacts via ionic 7 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 conduction through the fluid environment if lt is electrolytic. When the first and second connectors 102, 104 are mated, the at least one first transilion metal contact and the at least one second transition tnetal contact are aligned and engaged to form an electrical connection.

[0028] After the FSO tramceiver 108, 122 receives the incoming signal from the processor 112, 126, the FSO transcel ver 108, 122 lra1Bmits the signal to the other FSO transceiver 122. 108 (1.e., the first FSO transceiver l 08 transmits to the ;,econd FSO transceiver 122 and the second FSO transceiver 122 trnnsmits to the firsl FSO transceiver 108) via a short range light ,vave, such as a laser. The distance hetween the first and second FSO transcci vcrs 108.. 122 is in the ranr'!-c of 1- 6 crn.

[0029] As will be explained further below, each FSO transceiver 108, 122 is enclosed in an optical housing that hus un opening defined in a surface of the housing. An optical lens ( disk) is disposed in the opening to allow the light to travel between tlle first and second FSO transceivers 108, 122. Thus, lhe transmitted light that carries lhe dala signal travels through a gap in the optical housing before traveling through the optical lens in the transrnitting FSO transceiver. The light then travels through the adverse medium that the high--bandwidth connector 100 is immersed in to the receiving FSO assembly. Finally, the light travels through an optical lens and a gap in the optical housing in the receiving FSO assembly to the receiving FSO transceiver. The gap in the optical housing of both the transmitting and receiving FSO assemblies may be an air gap or may be filled with a mediurn (e.g., gel, oil) that has a refractive index thal closely mat.:.:hes a refractive index of the optical lens.

[0030] As mentioned above, in applications where the connector is immersed in water and water resides inside the connector. the FSO communication devices can still trnnsmil and rccci vc large amounts of data at high data rates (high-bandv,,idth) of approximately 10 Gbps. In addition, the transition metal electrical contacts can transmit and provide power for a desired power application . .As a result tbe high-bandwidth connector 100 is a lighl-Vv'cight, highbandwidth, high-power, self-insulating, low noise, waterproof connector designed for undenvater applications or for use in adverse environments. 8 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080

[0031] FIGS. 2--7 illustrate one example of a high--bandwidth connector 200 for use in underwater applications. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the high-bandwidth conneclor 200 in an assembled state. The high-bandwidth connector 200 includes a first mating component ( connector) 202 having a first housing 204 and a second rm,ting component (connector) 206 having a second bousing 208. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective and end views of the first rnating component 202 respedivdy. Similarly. FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective and end views nf the second 1nating component 206 respedively. FK1. 7 is a perspective, cut-out view of the highhandwidth connector 200.

[0032] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, the firsi mating component 202 is a male connector that includes male (first) contacts 210 and the second mat1ng component 206 is a female mating component that includes female (second) contacts 212, As described above, ut least one contact (e.g., anodic contacts) fr01n ea.ch of the male and female contacts 210, 212 of the firsl and second mating components 202, 206 respectively are made from a self-passivating transition metal (e.g., niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconlum, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, paliadium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, etc.), herein refen-ed to as first and second lrnnsiJion metal con tac ls. As mentioned above, self-passi vating tn.msilion metal-; form an insulation !ayer or skin on the surface of the contact to protect the contact from the corrosive effects of water. \Vhen the first and second ma!ing components 202, 206 are mated, the first and second transition rnetal contacts are aligned and engaged to form an electrically conductive connection. \Vhen the firs! and second mating components 202, 206 are mated, the rnale contacts 210 are inserted into the female contacts 212 such tbat at least a portion of the selfpassivation layer is removed (scraped off) on each of the firsl and second transition metal contacts to form the electrically conductive connection.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 7, the first mating component 202 further includes a first FSO cornmunication asscrnbly 214 and the second rnating component 206 further includes a second FSO communication assembly 216. ,1\s described above, data signals are communicated between the first and second FSO communication assemblies 214,216 at a high rate of speed to transfer 9 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 data from one external electrical device (e.g., first external electlical device 114) to another e,~temal electrical device (e.g., second ex.lerna1 electrical dev:ice 128) and vice versa.

[0034] The first mating component 202 and the second mating component 206 further include status indicators 218,220. The statm.: indicators 218,220 may include lights, LED lights, symbolic Ughls, colored lights, elc. "flle status imlicators 218, 220 may be situated on an outer portion, as illustrated in FJG. 2, or an inner portion of the first connector and / or the second connector. The status indicators 218, 220 may be used to provide an operating status of Lhe highhandwidth connector 200. For examp1e, one status indicator may provide a power status, another s1atus indictor may provide a status of the received and transrnit!cd data, and another s!atus indicator may provide a status of the light source that carries the data signal between the first and second FSO communication assemblies 214,216.

[0035] The first mating component 202 and the second mating component 206 further include an opening 222, 22-'1 defined in an end opposite that of the contacts 210, 212. The opening 222, 224 is configured to allow the lnscriion of power and data transmission cables (e.g., copper, fibcJ optic, etc.). The power cables transmit power from a power source to the male and female conlacts 210, 212 and lhe dala lransmission cable transmits the data signals between the exlernal electrical devices and the FSO communication assernhlies 214, 216.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example FSO assembly 300 that corresponds to the FSO assemblies 214, 216 illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition, FlG. 9 is a partial, cut-out view of the PSO assembly 300 illustrated in PIG. 8. Thus, reference is to be made to the example of FlG. 7 in the following description of tbe example of FlGS. 8 and 9. The FSO assembly 300 includes one or more FSO transceivers 302 mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 304 and a processor (e.g., an PPGA, an ASIC. a DSP. etc.) 306 connected to and in conm1Lrnication ,vill1 the PCB 304. An optical housing 308 is also mounted to the PCB 304 and encloses the FSO transceiver 302 in a cavity. Thus, a gap 310 exists between the FSO transceiver 302 and an inner surface of the optical housing 308. The gap 310 in the optical housing 308 may be an air gap or may be filled vvith a medium (e.g., gel, oil) that has a refraclive index that closely matches a refractive index of an optical lens 316. An opening 312 is defined in a surface (e.g., top) 314 of 10 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 the optical housing 308 that is opposite that of a surface mounted to the PCB 304. The optical lens (disk) 316 is disposed in the opening 312 lo allow lhe light to travel between, for exarnple, the FSO assemblies 214,216 illustrated in FIG. 7. The optical lens 316 is made from a material (e.go, sapphire, quanz, acrylic, soda lime, borosilicate etco) !hat is capable of lram:mHting the da!a signal al the 11igh speeds disclosed llerein under hydrostatic pressure al full ocean depth (e.g., approximately 10,000 psi) in the infrared hand and more specifically, in the near infrared hand. Thus, the optical lens 316 isolates tbe FSO transceiver 302 from the water, i.e., provides v.raterproofing, while allmving a pathway for the transmission of the FSO lightwaves.

[0037] As previously explained, the data signals arc: communicated from cxJcmal electrical devices via traditional copper or fiber optic cables to and from the FSO assemblies 300. The processor 306 translates incoming duta signals into a difforemial pair signals und communicates them to the transmitting PSO transceiver 302. The transmitting FSO transceiver 302 transmits the data signal lo the other, i.e .. receiving, FSO transceiver 302 via a shon range light ,vave, such as a laser. The distance bctvvccn the transmitting and the receiving FSO transceivers 302 is in the range of 1-· 6 cm. The received data signal is then sent from the receiving FSO lransceiver 302 to the receiving processor 306 \vhereupou lhe receiving processor 306 processes the outgoing data signa1s and transmits the outgoing data signa1s to an externa1 electrical device via copper or fiber optic cables. The FSO lransceivers 302 are capable of transmitting and receiving data. Thus, two-way conm1m1icatio11 is possible, which increases the amount of data that can be transmitted. In addition, each PSO assembly can include multiple PSO transceivers thereby increasing the nurnber of transmitting data communication Lines.

[0038] The transmitted light that carries the data signal travels through the air gap 310 in lhc optical housing 308 before traveling through the optical lens 316 in the transrnitling FSO transceiver 302. 'l11e light then travels through the adverse medium (e.g., water) that the high-bandwidth connector is immersed in to the receiving FSO transceiver 302. Finally, lhc light travels through the optical lens 316 and the gap 310 ln the optical housing 308 in the receiving FSO transceiver 302. 11 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method 400 for transmitting a large amount of data across an undenvater conneclor at a high data speed. Al 402, a first connector (e.g., the first rnating connector 202) and a second connector (e.g., the second mating connector 206) are subjected to or irnrnen:ed in an adverse environment (e.g., waler). The firsl conneclor includes first contacts (e.g., first contacts 210) having at least one first self-passivaling transition rneta1 contact thal forms a non-conductive outer layer ,vhen r,;i1hjected to the adverse env1rnnment and a first free space optical transceiver (e.g., free space optical tram:ceiver 302). The second connector includes second contacts (e.g., second contacts 212) having at least one second se1fpassivating lransition mdal contad that forms a non-conductive outer layer ,;i,,·hen subjected to the adverse environment and a second free space optical transceiver (e.g., free space optical transceiver 302). At 404. the first and second connectors are mated to provide an electrical connection between the first contacts and the second contacts to conduct power between the first and second connectors. A fluid-filled gap (e.g., gap 310) is formed bel\veen the first free space optical transceiver and the second free space optical transceiver. The first and second free space optical transceivers transmit and receive a large quantity of data at high data speeds (e.g., 10 Gbps) through the fluid-filled gap.

[0040] The high-bandwidth connector disclosed herein reduces the cost of installing and rnainlaining underwater cable networks. Underwater cables using the high-bandwidth connector can be connected using a wide variety of RO Vs or lJUVs. This is possible due to the small size and weight of the high-bandwidth connector. As mentioned above, current undersea connectors are bulky and require a great amount of force to be installed which requires the use of cost prohibitedly large ROVs. Large ROVs require large ships and more human operators thereby limiting installation options or forcing designers to redesign the system to not require the use of robotics. Avoiding robotics is not preferred because robots allow for the implementation of networks in an environment that rnay be dangerous to operators. Whether the cables must be installed at great depths or a netvvork must be established in a hostile environment, the use of robotics would be prefened because of the robotic platform's expendability. If the installation can be accomplished with smaller platforms, many more options would be available by opening 12 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25 WO 2021 / 231012 PCT / US2021 / 027080 the door to smaller companies. Smaller platforms also require less operators and supporting personnel, which reduces the required manpower.

[0041] Thus, the tnarriage of short range FSO conununications devices with self-insulating, transition metal contacts has created a novel connector cap.,ble of meeting the growing demarnh: or today"s underwater networks. The hlgh-bandwidth connecter provides a small and light vveighl device that can handle large amounts of netvvork traffic and povver con<.:.mnption_ [twin be an enabling technology that will allow- the rapid establishment of seafloor net,,vorks with Lhe use of rohotics. Tn addition. the self-insulating feature a11ows for nearly 1irnit1ess connection maling cycles, maintenance free operation, the safe handling of live wires, noise 1rnnrnni!y, and can be left indefinitely in ocean water. Current connectors capable of transferring equivalent amounts of po,ver and dMa are substantially largeL heavier, have a limited number of connections, and often require the use of installation jigs for the rnassive amount of forces required to make the connection"

[0042] The descriptions above coustitute examples of the disclosure. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or method for purposes of describing the disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art \.Vill recognize that rm.my further comhinations and permutations of the disdosure are possih1e. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace a11 such allerntions, modifications, and variations lhat fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. 13 CA 03169545 2022- 8- 25

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for transmitting free space optical signals comprising: a first connector including first contacts and a first optical assembly to transmit and receive free space optical signals, the first optical assembly including at least one free space optical transceiver, an optical housing that encompasses the at least one free space optical transceiver, and an optical lens secured in an opening in the optical housing, wherein a gap between the at least one free space optical transceiver and an inner surface of the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of the optical lens; and a second connector including second contacts and a second optical assembly to transmit and receive the free space optical signals, the second optical assembly including at least one free space optical transceiver, an optical housing that encompasses the at least one free space optical transceiver, and an optical lens secured in an opening of the optical housing, wherein a gap between the at least one free space optical transceiver and an inner surf ace of the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of the optical lens, at least one contact from the first contacts and at least one contact from the second contacts that aligns with the at least one contact from the first contacts being made from a self-passivating transition metal that has a property of forming a non-conductive outer layer when subjected to a fluid adverse environment, the first and second connectors being configured to be coupled to substantially align and enclose the first and second optical assemblies, wherein when the first and second connectors are subjected to the fluid adverse environment, a fluid-filled gap is formed between the first optical assembly and the second optical assembly in response to mating the first and second connectors . 14 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12 2. The system for transmitting free space optical signals of claim 1, wherein when the first contacts are mated with the second contacts when subjected to the fluid adverse environment, at least a portion of the non-conductive outer layer is removed from the at least one contact from the first contacts and from the at least one contact from the second contacts via scraping to form an electrically conductive connection.

3. The system for transmitting free space optical signals of claim 2, wherein the selfpassivating transition metal is selected from a group comprising niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

4. The system for transmitting free space optical signals of claim 1, wherein the first optical assembly includes a first processor communicatively connected to the at least one free space optical transceiver of the first optical assembly and the second optical assembly includes a second processor communicatively connected to the at least one free space optical transceiver of the second optical assembly, the first and second processors processing the free space optical signals.

5. The system for transmitting free space optical signals of claim 1, wherein the lens is selected from the group consisting of sapphire, acrylic, soda lime, quartz, and borosilicate.

6. The system for transmitting free space optical signals of claim 1 further comprising status indicators situated on an outer portion or an inner portion of the first connector and / or the second connector.

7. A high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector comprising: a first connector including first contacts having at least one first self-passivating transition metal contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed a fluid in 15 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12 adverse environment to transmit power and a first free space optical assembly to transmit and receive free space optical signals, the first free space optical assembly including at least one free space optical transceiver, an optical housing that encompasses the at least one free space optical transceiver, and an optical lens secured in an opening in the optical housing, wherein a gap between the at least one free space optical transceiver and an inner surface of the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of the optical lens; and a second connector including second contacts having at least one second selfpassivating transition metal contact that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in the fluid adverse environment to receive power and a second free space optical assembly to transmit and receive the free space optical signals the second free space optical assembly including at least one free space optical transceiver, an optical housing that encompasses the at least one free space optical transceiver, and an optical lens secured in an opening of the optical housing, wherein a gap between the at least one free space optical transceiver and an inner surface of the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of the optical lens, the first and second connectors being configured to be coupled to substantially align and enclose the first and second free space optical assemblies, wherein a fluid-filled gap is formed between the first and second free space optical assemblies in response to fastening the first and second connectors while submerged in the fluid adverse environment and where the first and second free space optical assemblies transmit and receive the free space optical signals.

8. The high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector of claim 7, wherein the first free space optical assembly includes a first processor communicatively connected to the at least one free space optical transceiver of the first free space optical assembly and the second free space optical assembly includes a second processor communicatively connected to the at least 16 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12 one free space optical transceiver of the second free space optical assembly, the first and second processors processing the data transmitted between the first and second connectors.

9. The high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector of claim 7, wherein the lens is selected from the group consisting of sapphire, acrylic, soda lime, quartz, and borosilicate.

10. The high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector of claim 7, wherein when the first connector is mated with the second connector while immersed in the fluid adverse environment, at least a portion of the non-conductive outer layer is removed from the at least one first self-passivating transition metal contact and from the at least one second self-passivating transition metal contact via scraping to form an electrically conductive connection.

11. The high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector of claim 7 further comprising status indicators situated on an outer portion or an inner portion of the first connector and / or the second connector.

12. The high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector of claim 7, wherein the selfpassivating transition metal is selected from a group comprising niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium.

13. A method for transmitting free space optical signals carrying data, the method compnsmg: immersing a first connector and a second connector ina fluid adverse environment, the first connector comprising first contacts having at least one contact made from a self-passivating transition metal that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed fluid in the adverse environment and a first free space optical transceiver, the first free space optical transceiver housed in an optical housing, wherein a gap between the first free space optical 17 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12 transceiver and the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of an optical lens of the first free space optical transceiver, the second connector comprising second contacts having at least one contact made from the selfpassivating transition metal that forms a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in the fluid and a second free space optical transceiver, the second free space optical transceiver housed in an optical housing, wherein a gap between the second free space optical transceiver and the optical housing is filled with air or a medium that has a refractive index that closely matches a refractive index of an optical lens of the second free space optical transceiver; and mating the first and second connectors to provide an electrical connection between the first contacts and the second contacts to conduct power between the first and second connectors and to form a fluid-filled gap between the first free space optical transceiver and the second free space optical transceiver, the first and second free space optical transceivers transmitting and receiving the free space optical signals through the fluid-filled gap, wherein the at least one first self-passivating transition metal contact being aligned with and connected to the at least one second self-passivating transition metal contact.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein when the first connector is mated with the second connector while immersed in the fluid adverse environment, at least a portion of the nonconductive outer layer is removed from the at least one first self-passivating transition metal contact and from the at least one second self-passivating transition metal contact via scraping to form an electrically conductive connection.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the self-passivating transition metal is selected from a group comprising niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium. 18 Date Re~ue / Date Received 2024-01-12