We present the design and testing of spaceflight multiplexing kinetic inductance detector (KID) readout electronics for the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA). PRIMA is a mission proposed to the 2023 NASA Astrophysics Probe Explorer (APEX) Announcement of Opportunity that will answer fundamental questions about the formation of planetary systems, as well as the formation and evolution of stars, supermassive black holes, and dust over cosmic time. The readout electronics for PRIMA must be compatible with operation at Earth-Sun L2 and capable of multiplexing more than 1000 detectors over 2 GHz bandwidth while consuming around 30 W per readout chain. The electronics must also be capable of switching between the two instruments, which have different readout bands,: the hyperspectral imager (PRIMAger, 2.5-5.0 GHz) and the spectrometer (FIRESS, 0.4-2.4 GHz). We present the driving requirements, design, and measured performance of a laboratory brassboard system.
We describe the requirements and associated technology development plan for the communications data link from low mass interstellar probes. This work is motivated by several proposed deep space and interstellar missions with an emphasis on the Breakthrough Starshot project. The Starshot project is an effort to send the first low mass interstellar probes to nearby star systems and transmit back scientific data acquired during system transit within the time scale of a human lifetime. The about 104-fold increase in distance to nearby stars compared to the outer planets of our solar system requires a new form of propulsion to reach speeds of approximately 20% of the speed of light. The proposed use of a low mass sailcraft places strong constraints on the mass and power for the Starshot communications system. We compare the communications systems in current and upcoming solar system probes, New Horizons and Psyche, against the requirements for Starshot and define Figures of Merit for the communications capability in terms of data downlink rate multiplied by distance squared per unit mass. We describe current and future technology developments required for the on-board transmitter (signal generation, signal distribution, and beamforming) and for the near-Earth communications receiver (low-cost large aperture telescopes, high resolution spectrometers, and single photon counting detectors). We also describe a roadmap for technology development to meet the goals for future interstellar communications.
KEYWORDS: Signal processing, Sensors, Signal detection, Digital signal processing, Field programmable gate arrays, Electronics, Resonators, Filtering (signal processing), Data conversion, Detector arrays
On August 22, 2019, the Origins Space Telescope (OST) Study Team delivered the OST Mission Concept Study Report and the OST Technology Development Plan to NASA Headquarters. A key component of this study report includes the technology roadmap for detector readout and how new radio frequency-system-on-chip (RFSoC)-based technology would be used to advance the far-infrared polarimeter instrument concept for a spaceflight mission. We present our current results as they pertain to the implementation of algorithms, hardware, and architecture for instrument signal processing of this proposed observatory using RFSoC technology. We also present a small case study, comparing a more conventional readout system with one based on the RFSoC and show a trade of system complexity versus technology readiness level.
The Origins Space Telescope will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did galaxies evolve from the earliest galactic systems to those found in the Universe today? How do habitable planets form? How common are life-bearing worlds? To answer these alluring questions, Origins will operate at mid- and far-infrared (IR) wavelengths and offer powerful spectroscopic instruments and sensitivity three orders of magnitude better than that of the Herschel Space Observatory, the largest telescope flown in space to date. We describe the baseline concept for Origins recommended to the 2020 US Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The baseline design includes a 5.9-m diameter telescope cryocooled to 4.5 K and equipped with three scientific instruments. A mid-infrared instrument (Mid-Infrared Spectrometer and Camera Transit spectrometer) will measure the spectra of transiting exoplanets in the 2.8 to 20 μm wavelength range and offer unprecedented spectrophotometric precision, enabling definitive exoplanet biosignature detections. The far-IR imager polarimeter will be able to survey thousands of square degrees with broadband imaging at 50 and 250 μm. The Origins Survey Spectrometer will cover wavelengths from 25 to 588 μm, making wide-area and deep spectroscopic surveys with spectral resolving power R ∼ 300, and pointed observations at R ∼ 40,000 and 300,000 with selectable instrument modes. Origins was designed to minimize complexity. The architecture is similar to that of the Spitzer Space Telescope and requires very few deployments after launch, while the cryothermal system design leverages James Webb Space Telescope technology and experience. A combination of current-state-of-the-art cryocoolers and next-generation detector technology will enable Origins’ natural background-limited sensitivity.
The Origins Space Telescope will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did galaxies evolve from the earliest galactic systems to those found in the universe today? How do habitable planets form? How common are life-bearing worlds? To answer these alluring questions, Origins will operate at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths and offer powerful spectroscopic instruments and sensitivity three orders of magnitude better than that of Herschel, the largest telescope flown in space to date. After a 3 ½ year study, the Origins Science and Technology Definition Team will recommend to the Decadal Survey a concept for Origins with a 5.9-m diameter telescope cryocooled to 4.5 K and equipped with three scientific instruments. A mid-infrared instrument (MISC-T) will measure the spectra of transiting exoplanets in the 2.8 – 20 μm wavelength range and offer unprecedented sensitivity, enabling definitive biosignature detections. The Far-IR Imager Polarimeter (FIP) will be able to survey thousands of square degrees with broadband imaging at 50 and 250 μm. The Origins Survey Spectrometer (OSS) will cover wavelengths from 25 – 588 μm, make wide-area and deep spectroscopic surveys with spectral resolving power R ~ 300, and pointed observations at R ~ 40,000 and 300,000 with selectable instrument modes. Origins was designed to minimize complexity. The telescope has a Spitzer-like architecture and requires very few deployments after launch. The cryo-thermal system design leverages JWST technology and experience. A combination of current-state-of-the-art cryocoolers and next-generation detector technology will enable Origins’ natural backgroundlimited sensitivity.
This paper is the first in a series of publications to investigate the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components
for space flight fiber laser transmitter systems and LIDAR (laser imaging detection and ranging) detection systems. In
the current study, a hermetically sealed COTS LiNbO3 optical modulator is characterized for space flight applications.
The modulator investigated was part of the family of "High-Extinction Ratio Modulators" with part number MXPE-LN
from Photline Technologies in Besancon, France. Device performance was monitored during exposure to a Cobalt60
gamma-ray source. Results from the testing show little change in device operation for a total accumulated dose of 52
krad.
We have developed optical fibers with a very thin Lithium Niobate Layer at the glass core
glass cladding boundary it is observed that the Lithium Niobate Cylinder Fibers have a
large strain induced light loss of about 2.12784 x 10-5 per kg per m. These fiber can be
used as strain sensors operating in an amplitude mode rather than in the phase detection
mode as is the case for strain sensors using standard Single Mode Fibers.
Light absorption spectrum measurements and the light intensity dependence of the light absorption spectrum of a fiber with a very thin gold film at the glass core glass cladding boundary are presented. The thickness of the gold film is less than the scattering length of electrons in this metal. The absorption spectrum appears to be strongly light intensity dependent. We also observed the mode structure of light propagating through the gold film. Our fabrication process can produce large area very thin metal films that are very difficult to produce by other methods.
A MOEMS fiber modulator/sensor is fabricated by depositing a lithium niobate sol-gel thin film between the core and cladding of a fiber preform. The preform is then drawn into 125-µm fibers. Such a MOEMS modulator design is expected to enhance existing lithium niobate undersea acousto-optic sound wave detectors. In our proposed version, the lithium niobate thin film alters the ordinary silica core/cladding boundary conditions such that, when a stress or strain is applied to the fiber, the core light confinement factor changes, leading to modulation of fiber light transmission. Test results of the lithium niobate embedded fiber with a 1550-nm, 4-mW laser source revealed a reduction in light transmission with applied tension. As a comparison, using the same laser source, an ordinary silica core/cladding fiber did not exhibit any reduction in transmitted light when the same strain was applied. Further experimental work and theoretical analysis is ongoing.
A theoretical analysis of the light absorption and gain mechanisms in a Cd3P2 Semiconductor Cylinder Fiber is presented. The results of these calculations are in good agreement with previously published experimental data. Cd3P2 has two direct energy gaps, which both influence the gain mechanism. Pump light can be used to reduce the absorption. Stronger pump light that generates more charge carriers will produce net gain (gain above absorption compensation). The fiber exhibits gain over a very wide light wavelength bandwidth.
We have measured a net gain of 19.5 dB in a 4 mm long piece of Cd3P2Semiconductor Cylinder Fiber (SCF) at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The fiber was pumped from the side with a 100 mW, 832 nm laser. Side pumping is very inefficient since only a small portion of the pump light is absorbed by the very thin, approximately 6.694 nm thick, semiconductor film. However, this pumping arrangement is very convenient and does not require wavelength sensitive input and output couplers. We also measured the absorption spectrum. The absorption spectrum is in good agreement with a theoretical model. The absorption spectrum exhibits a step due to the two direct energy gap conduction bands of the Cd3P2 semiconductor film.
An fiber modulator/sensor has been fabricated by depositing a lithium niobate sol-gel thin film between the core and cladding of a fiber preform. The preform is then drawn into 125 um fiber. The proposed design of lithium niobate cylinder fibers can enhance the existing methdology for detecting sound waves under water utilizing the acoustooptic properties of lithium niobate. Upon application of a stress or strain, light propagating inside the core, acording to the principle of total internal reflection, escapes into the cladding because of the photoelastic boundary layer of lithium niobate. Test results of the lithium niobate fiber reveal a reduction in the 1550 nm, 4 mW source with applied tension. The source power from an ordinary quartz fiber under the same stress condition remained invariant to applied tension.
Nonlinear fiber optics, in the form of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), has now emerged as the essential means for the construction of active optical devices used for all-optic in-line switching, channel selection, amplification, oscillation in optical communications, optical logic elements in optical computation and sensing, and a host of other applications. This paper attempts to present a survey and some of our own research findings on the nature of stimulated Brillouin scattering in single mode optical fibers and its device applications. In theory, the backscattering nature of the phenomenon enables its application as channel selectors and switches and filters in optical transmission and communications. We have been engaged in the design and implementation of fiber configurations, such as rings and loop mirrors, with the purpose of lowering the threshold. We report on experimental schemes involving Brillouin ring with amplifier-in-the ring, and Brillouin-NALMs (nonlinear amplifying loop mirrors). These successful devices are being studied for application as optical logic and neuron elements, Brillouin-NALMs for optical switching, and highly versatile sensors.
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