Monitoring of JUICE Optical Fibers

Posted by Juan Barbero
On July 5, 2021
0

Some pieces of fibers and mating connectors were stabilized to one temperature while others were at other values. The temperature ranges for each chamber were: -190ºC to 120ºC for one chamber, -160ºC to 100ºC for the second one and -80ºC to +45ºC for the third one. The light source used for the test was developed by the institute of experimental physics at TUG Graz using exactly the same lasers that will be used for JUICE. The stability of the setup was assured using a reference path.

In this success case we present a complex thermal cycling test for the fibers that are going to be used in the real scenario for the magnetometer of the JUICE Mission. You can find a complete explanation about:

Test Setup
Test results
- 400µm MM Fibres test.
- 50µm MM Fibres test.
Numerical results
Conclusion

About Thermal Cycling Test

The objective of thermal cycling testing is to determine the ability of parts and solder interconnects to resist extremely high and low temperatures, as well as their ability to endure cyclical exposures to extreme temperatures.

Monitoring of JUICE Optical Fibers During Thermal Cycles Keeping the Optical Connectors at Different Stable Cryogenic Temperatures in 3-Chambers Setup

Two types of multimode fibers (50µm and 400µm) will be used for the scalar sensor of the JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer program) magnetometer. This optical sensor will be placed at the end of a boom. These multimode fibers will transmit modulated laser light through the sensor, the light source, and the detector electronics being located within the spaceship.

The fibers will be exposed to shallow temperatures, while the optical connectors will be more protected. The simulation of the optical budget did not allow to assure that the optical power transmitted through the fibers would be OK within the entire thermal range. A 3-chambers thermal cycling test was proposed to thermally cycle in a synchronized way to different temperature plateaus, both high and low while monitoring the transmitted optical power.

Juan Barbero

Responsible for commercial activities of the Optoelectronic laboratory at Alter Technology Tüv Nord

Juan Barbero obtained his MSc in Physics at the Universidad Complutense of Madrid. Currently in 1991. He is responsible for the commercial activities of the Optoelectronic laboratory Area at ALTER TECHNOLOGY. He has gathered a large experience in analysis, testing, and verification of aerospace applications for more than 25 years. He has also been involved in the technical managing of several photonic-orientated projects for the aerospace sector, ensuring its technical execution and coordinating the consortium members' activities (Companies, OPIS, etc...).
Juan Barbero is also part of the ESA Photonic Working Group, providing inputs and support regarding new photonics technologies proposed for space application.

Monitoring of JUICE Optical Fibers

About Thermal Cycling Test

Monitoring of JUICE Optical Fibers During Thermal Cycles Keeping the Optical Connectors at Different Stable Cryogenic Temperatures in 3-Chambers Setup

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