Validation of a spatial light modulator for space applications

Silva-López, Manuel; Campos-Jara, Antonio; Álvarez-Herrero, Alberto

doi:10.1117/12.2536162

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…In future, we are optimistic about applying this technique onboard of an orbital telescope for direct exoplanet imaging. LC-SLM technology was scientifically tested under a thermo-vacuum environment [21], however not yet under the space requirement. A possible LC-SLM mounting can be in a chamber with an optical window, with stabilized normal temperature and pressure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Control of the Optical Wavefront in Phase and Amplitude by a Single LC-SLM in a Stellar Coronagraph Aiming for Direct Exoplanet Imaging

Yudaev,

Venkstern,

Shulgina

et al. 2024

Photonics

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This article presents a novel approach to actively compensate wavefront errors in both phase and amplitude using a Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator (LC-SLM) for direct exoplanet imaging. This method involves controlling the wavefront to address challenges posed by stellar coronagraphy. Experimental results demonstrate successful wavefront error compensation in both phase and amplitude components. This technique shows promise for direct exoplanet imaging and may be applied onboard orbital telescopes in the future.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Control of the Optical Wavefront in Phase and Amplitude by a Single LC-SLM in a Stellar Coronagraph Aiming for Direct Exoplanet Imaging

Yudaev,

Venkstern,

Shulgina

et al. 2024

Photonics

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“…In the last years we have been working in the space qualification of SLMs studying their tolerance to gamma radiation, thermal-vacuum cycles and vibration loads 46,47 . Also new methods suitable for calibration and testing in a space qualification campaign have been developed 48 .…”

Section: Spatial Light Modulatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Liquid crystal devices for compact optical space instruments

Álvarez-Herrero,

García Parejo,

Campos-Jara

et al. 2024

Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XVI

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Our group in the Space Optics Department at INTA has been working during more than 20 years in the development of devices based on liquid crystals for optical payloads onboard space missions. Currently, there are three of our devices successfully in operation in the PHI and METIS instruments of the Solar Orbiter ESA/NASA mission. Therefore, they have the highest technology maturity level, TRL9 (Technology Readiness Level). To the best of our knowledge, we are pioneers of the use of polarization modulators based on liquid crystals in a telescope or a camera in a space platform.Liquid crystal devices avoid using standard solutions that involve mechanisms with rotatory polarization optical parts. Instead, we use this technology that minimizes the size, mass and power consumption of the device while maximizing its useful aperture and performance. These new capabilities open up new possibilities for small satellites that were previously only attainable by larger satellites. Liquid crystal-based polarization modulator technology is highly versatile and can be configured in multiple ways to suit diverse applications. It is based on the ability of liquid crystal variable retarders to control, modify and measure the polarization state of light, be it in an image or in a spot beam.The application fields are numerous, from Astrophysics to Earth Observation. This work will introduce some of the main instruments that we are working on: from the Vigil ESA mission for Space Weather to Quantum Communication Space Systems, and including the Miniature Absolute Magnetometer for the NanoMagSat mission of ESA's SCOUT Program. Also, we will show the development status of other liquid-crystal devices for compact space instrumentation that we are developing as Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters (LCTFs) and Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs).In October 2023, the INTA spinoff Eye4Sky was established to the exploitation and commercialization of this optical technology of liquid crystal devices for space applications. This deep-tech startup has been selected for the prestigious European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) program.

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“…Several SLM devices have been already tested for space applications [13]- [15]. Space environment can affect MEMS devices depending on their design, their materials or their packaging.…”

Section: Analysis and Test In Space Relevant Environmental Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a spatial light modulator technology for space applications: performance analysis under the environmental conditions

González

Berndt

Gallego

et al. 2023

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022

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Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) technologies are well established in many application fields over the last decades. Addressing challenging operational conditions, a special class of high-speed SLMs has emerged over the past 20 years, namely Micromirror Array (MMA) devices. Fraunhofer IPMS MMA technology has enabled several ultraviolet photolithography applications at industrial scale. Given the fact that these devices are available for scientific testing, we proposed to explore for the first time their functionality and performance with respect to the space application requirements for the European framework cooperation. Previous studies strongly support this approach with the investigation of several SLM technologies for space instrumentation.In this study, the key parameters of an already available 256 x 256 pixel MMA device have been assessed and its performance has been evaluated under environmental constraints of a future space mission, in terms of temperature (from -40 °C to 80 °C), vacuum (< 10 -5 mbar) and vibrations in X-, Y-and Z-axes, showing zero failure rate for the MMA device after all tests. These experimental findings, together with simulations results, confirm the robustness of the MMA technology, especially against temperature changes, and encourage further activities for the development of a spacecustomized spatial light modulator technology.

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Validation of a spatial light modulator for space applications

Cited by 6 publications

References 11 publications

Control of the Optical Wavefront in Phase and Amplitude by a Single LC-SLM in a Stellar Coronagraph Aiming for Direct Exoplanet Imaging

Control of the Optical Wavefront in Phase and Amplitude by a Single LC-SLM in a Stellar Coronagraph Aiming for Direct Exoplanet Imaging

Liquid crystal devices for compact optical space instruments

Towards a spatial light modulator technology for space applications: performance analysis under the environmental conditions

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