Optic instrumentation
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Magnetic Fast Steering Mirror for Inter-satellites and Feeder Link Optical Communication
14 June 2024
In order to cope with performances of Fine Pointing, and Fast Steering mirror requirements for Space Optical Communi-cation, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) is developing magnetic Fast Steering Mirror’s (M-FSM) family, based on proprietary MICA™ flexure bearing magnetic actuators mechanism (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator), with embedded eddy current sensors (ECS).
FSM design expected for Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) in large-scale New Space constellations, is highly driven by mandatory cost-efficiency for high quantities recurrent production, while FSM design expected for Feeder-Link commu-nication is driven instead by high power Laser requirements together with high level of redundancy.
In this publication CTEC is presenting both the M-FSM45 and M-FSM-HPL designs, and test results, respectively for inter-satellites and feeder link optical communications.
Miniature Piezo Fast Steering Mirror for Optical Communication in NanoSats and CubeSats
14 June 2024
Access to data has become vital and strategical for individuals and nations, Earth planet preservation and monitoring, and mobility applications. In this context, the number of satellite constellations projects is growing drastically worldwide and is a next generation challenge of the New Space cost efficient industry.
To replace radio frequencies (RF) communications, space optical communication will be the new trend, addressing both very high speed and as secured encrypted communication improvements.
Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM) are a key component used in optical communication, and for a large field of functions such as Point Ahead Mechanisms (PAM), Raster Scanning, Beam Steering Mirrors (BSM), Fine Pointing Mechanisms (FPM) and Line of Sight stabilization (LOS).
The following paper presents test results of CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES piezoelectric mini-FSM and associated CCBu20 driving electronics.
Nanometric positioning with piezo actuator and high stability strain gauges
19 June 2023
Many applications require long-term position stability, which relates to the notion of absolute precision over time. Until now, the long-term stability of strain gages (SG) for position measurement was questionable. Using its extensive know-how of strain gages integration and new instrumentation equipment, Cedrat Technologies has managed to demonstrate nanometric position stability of a closed-loop piezo-mechanism with integrated strain gages sensors. This technology opens a wide range of new possibilities for industrial, aeronautical, and space applications.
OPTITEC is a shining light of French photonics
19 June 2023
The south of France is home to a thriving optics and photonocs community. Belle Dumé talks to key players to find out the benefits of living and working in the land of light.
Picard Sodism pointing mechanism based on PPA40M-NM-SV
19 June 2023
PICARD is a French space scientific mission. Its objectives are the study of the origin of the solar variability and the study of the relations between the Sun and the Earth’s climate. The Satellite wassuccessfully launched, on June 15, 2010 on a DNEPR
launcher from Dombarovskiy Cosmodrome, nearYasny (Russia). The payload consists in two absoluteradiometers measuring the total solar irradiance and animaging telescope to determine the solar diameter andasphericity.
Point Ahead Mechanism for Deep Space Optical Communication Development of a New Piezo-Based Fine Steering Mirror
19 June 2023
The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a novel tip-tilt mechanism, with integrated optics, designed for the JPL Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) module of the upcoming Psyche mission (2022 launch). This paper presents the design, assembly and tests of the produced models. Regarding the design phase, an emphasis was put on the mirror calculations to ensure that the required flatness would be maintained after integration, and that the part would withstand the thermal/mechanical environment. The actual optical measurements performed after assembly are also presented. The qualification results for a new alpha-case removal process for titanium parts are presented. Tests results are especially interesting
regarding the temperature behavior of the mechanism, impact on the stroke, and strain gage sensor feedback.
