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20 November 2017 Development of fiber optic sensing interrogators for launchers
M. P. Plattner, T. C. Buck, B. Eder, A. Reutlinger, I. McKenzie
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Proceedings Volume 10565, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2010; 1056518 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309165
Event: International Conference on Space Optics—ICSO 2010, 2010, Rhodes Island, Greece
Abstract
We present our work about the development of two complementary interrogation schemes based on fiber optic sensing for the use of structural and thermal monitoring of Ariane launchers. The advantages of fiber optic sensing in particular light-weight, immunity to electromagnetic interferences and the possibility of sensor distribution along optical fibers are driving factors for utilization of this technology in space crafts [1]. The edge-filter (EF) and scanning-laser (SL) interrogators for determination of the mean wavelength of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been implemented as two separate demonstrators. Within this paper we describe the functional principles of both interrogators. Furthermore we present test results where the developed systems have been used for readout of FBG sensors which are implemented in an Ariane structural demonstrator during thermal, thermal-vacuum and vibration tests. Functionality of both systems is demonstrated and their potential for further development towards space qualified systems is shown.

Since the performance characteristics of the two systems are different from each other, they are dedicated for different sensing applications on a launcher. The EF sensor interrogator provides a sample rate of 20 kHz at a number of 4 connected sensors and supports parallel readout and aliasing free operation. Therefore it is best suited for high priority measurement. Structural monitoring which requires the acquisition of real time sensor information in order to support control of the launcher is one operation area for a future EF system. The SL interrogator provides an overall measurement rate of 1 kHz at a number of 24 connected sensors distributed on three sensor channels. It can be adapted to any sensors that have design wavelengths lying within the output spectrum of the laser diode. Furthermore the number of overall sensors to be read out with this system can be adapted easily. Thermal mapping of satellite panels is one possible future application for the SL interrogator.
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M. P. Plattner, T. C. Buck, B. Eder, A. Reutlinger, and I. McKenzie "Development of fiber optic sensing interrogators for launchers", Proc. SPIE 10565, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2010, 1056518 (20 November 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309165
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KEYWORDS
Sensors
Fiber Bragg gratings
Fiber optics sensors
Astronomical imaging
Digital signal processing
Temperature metrology
Aerospace engineering
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