Publication: VCSEL based optical-fiber Interrogation design for sensing in CubeSats
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2021-03-02
Defense date
2021-03-17
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Abstract
For this Bachelor’s thesis, a compact and independent system for performing tunable
laser diode spectroscopy in a CubeSat nanosatellite has been designed. The system is
modulated in alternating current and works tuning a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser
and using both electromagnetic absorption and dispersion for the purpose of measuring
on the device under test, which would be a gas cell or a fiber sensor.
Specific design principles were applied to this project, namely, power efficiency, compliance
with the ROHS rules, optimization of its size, COTS usage, AC modulation, single
supply as well as the CubeSat specifications. This thesis is under the umbrella of the
NANOSTAR Project.
The system designed can be tuned within a range of 9 nm and automatically calibrate
its emission wavelength through the usage of an HCN reference cell. It is able to perform
a full-range sweep or tune specific wavelengths for a fast measurement.
This project includes the characterization, design and simulation of the system composed
by photonic, electronic and optoelectronic components. Its implementation includes
the design and assembly of a prototype as well as its control software and resolution
and error calculations. The prototype is completely autonomous and only requires
a DC power supply in order to recharge its batteries as well as communication with its
controller board.
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Keywords
VCSEL, Optical fiber, CubeSats, Fiber-optic sensors, Spectroscopy