Key optical elements for space qualification plans of photonic devices are overviewed. Device parameters and qualifying procedures were discussed to assure the reliability of newly developed photonic devices needed for potential usage in space environments. The goal is to gradually establish enough data to develop a space qualification guideline for devices using empirical and numerical models to assess reliability including the lifetime degradation of devices for long-term space applications. Optical, electrical and mechanical device requirements of newly integrated photonic devices (diode lasers and detector arrays) were presented. Monolithically integrated active pixel InGaAs detector arrays were compared, as examples, with those hybridized with CMOS silicon multiplexers in terms of their performances and reliability. Adapting the existing fiber optical (1.55 μm) communication technology, this integration will be an ideal optoelectronic system for dual band (0.5-2.5 μm, Visible/IR) applications near room temperature for use in geological material research and in atmospheric gas sensing in space. For target identification on earth, however, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the device quality, reliability, and prevention of device failure in preparation for multifunctional, transportable shipboard surveillance, night vision, and emission spectroscopy in air and on Mars terrestrial applications.
Space qualification of photonic devices
Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies VI ; 2002 ; San Jose,California,United States
Proc. SPIE ; 4640
2002-06-18
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English