Yokogawa Oscilloscopes Help ESA Test Laser Diodes

The European Space Agency (ESA) is using Yokogawa digital oscilloscopes, including the DL850 Scopecorder to carry out evaluation tests on high-power laser systems for use on space satellites. Typical laser system applications in space include precision range measurements; radar-like 'lidar' systems, to gather a complete picture of surface terrain or three-dimensional samplings of planetary atmospheres; and laser-based space communications, with high bandwidth and minimal electromagnetic interference.

ESA will be using the oscilloscopes at its European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The largest ESA research centre in Europe, ESTEC is responsible for developing and managing all types of space missions for scientific exploration, satellite-based navigation and communication, and earth-observation purposes. It operates an environmental test centre for spacecraft, with supporting engineering laboratories specialised in systems engineering, components and materials, including an opto-electronics laboratory focusing on the performance verification of active optical instruments, including high-power laser systems and components of solid-state lasers.

The laboratory includes a Class 10,000 (ISO 7) clean room, two fully equipped optoelectronics laboratories designed for the operation of Class 4 laser systems (defined as powerful enough to burn skin, cause permanent eye damage or ignite flammable material), workshop and storage rooms. It has the equipment necessary to measure the optical spectrum, beam profile, power and energy, stability and modulation response, in free space as well as optical fibres.

The Yokogawa test equipment - initially a DL6154 oscilloscope that is currently being supplemented by a DL850 Scopecorder - is used specifically to complement test set-ups developed for investigating laser-induced contamination or endurance testing on laser diodes used as pump sources for solid-state lasers. These tests involve the recording of large amounts of data over considerable periods of time: several weeks or even months in some cases. The key electrical parameters involved in the tests are voltage and current in well-controlled environmental conditions. Moreover, for endurance testing, the instruments need to be able to automatically detect and store very short and intermittent transient events such as current spikes.

In addition, the DL6154 is used to monitor the pulse shape of an injection-seeded, high-power, solid-state laser used in the context of laser-induced contamination and damage experiments. This equipment has proven to be able to successfully detect the intra-pulse modulation at laser output occurring when the seeding mechanism is not effective, and therefore gives reliable and crucial information on the laser behaviour. The evaluation of the measured parameters and environmental conditions must be correlated with the optical performance of the test specimen: specifically the output power profile.

The ESTEC team selected the Yokogawa equipment as a result of previous experience with other Yokogawa products, with which proactive support was provided by Yokogawa engineers. Another important point was the instruments' ability to observe high-speed physical phenomena and to review historical data over a long period of time, along with their compatibility with NI Labview software for subsequent analysis of the data. The ESTEC team are currently in the process of expanding their Yokogawa test set-up with the addition of new voltage, current and temperature modules for the DL850 Scopecorder.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more