News: LEDs
1 November 2021
FBH exhibiting at Space Tech Expo Europe
In conjunction with the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany (16-18 November), the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH) of Berlin, Germany is presenting the following technologies in booth P42 (hall 5).
Laser systems for quantum-optical precision experiments
With long-term experience in the development and fabrication of robust, compact diode laser modules for space applications, FBH says that its modules have already proven their capability several times in experiments under zero gravity conditions. Among others, FBH is currently manufacturing 55 ultra-narrow-linewidth laser modules developed for the BECCAL (Bose-Einstein Condensate – Cold Atom Laboratory) apparatus. From 2024 they will be used in the research facility operated by the German Aerospace Center DLR and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for quantum optical experiments with ultra-cold atoms on board the International Space Station (ISS). The facility will be used to investigate fundamental physics questions involving quantum objects with high precision near absolute-zero temperature (-273.15 C).
The core elements of these and previous diode laser modules are laser diodes developed by FBH, which are assembled together with optics and other passive elements. FBH says that, due to its unique micro-integration technology, the modules are extremely robust and suited to use in space. They feature small dimensions of only 125mm x 75mm x 23mm³, a low mass (750g) and output power of >500mW with simultaneously narrow intrinsic linewidth <1kHz.
In collaboration with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, such modules are also being built into compact quantum sensors and optical clocks for use in space and for industry-compatible system solutions in quantum technology. The collaborative Joint Lab presents a novel, fully autonomous frequency-stabilized laser source with integrated distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode based on the D2 transition in rubidium, operating at 780nm.
Laser modules for satellites: from communications to climate protection
FBH is also developing a range of laser modules for satellite applications. Its laser diode benches (LDBs) have been used for many years as pump lasers in Tesat-Spacecom’s laser communication terminals (LCT). They are used, among other things, to transmit high volumes of earth observation data particularly quickly between satellites and Earth. The LDBs have been developed and qualified according to the standards of the European Space Agency (ESA) for space applications. Their wavelength is stabilized to the pump transition band of a Nd:YAG laser such that the pump laser beam ensures stable LCT performance. On top of that, the pump laser has demonstrated what is claimed to be excellent reliability over the entire 15-year lifetime of the mission.
FBH will also exhibit a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser array module that offers both low noise and high reliability due to an integrated Bragg reflector, stabilizing the wavelength at the chip level. The suitability of such modules has been demonstrated for continuous operation of more than 15 years, qualifying them as flight hardware for the next LCT space missions.
Another pump laser is to be used in the future on the MERLIN climate satellite, which is to measure the methane concentration in the atmosphere. For this purpose, FBH has developed, qualified and delivered laser modules, each equipped with two high-power laser half-bars. These modules deliver 130W pulsed emission at 808nm wavelength and pump a Nd:YAG laser. Performance and reliability over the mission lifetime have been demonstrated through extensive qualifications of the technology and independently confirmed by ESA’s Technology Center ESTEC. So, even with a long operational lifetime of more than 4 billion pulses, the performance degrades only insignificantly.
Energy-efficient components for satcoms and sensors
Due to their high radiation hardness and capability for switching at high frequencies, gallium nitride (GaN) switching transistors are particularly suitable for power conditioning in satellites. FBH’s newly developed 10A/400V aluminium nitride power core with GaN power transistors in a half-bridge configuration minimizes the parasitic inductances and capacitances of the switching cell. Power switch, gate driver and DC link capacitors are hetero-integrated in an extremely compact manner, and heat is efficiently dissipated through the aluminium nitride substrate. In this way, the switching times of the power cell can be halved compared with a traditional design using discrete devices. High switching frequencies combined with high converter efficiency are the prerequisite for power converters with particularly high power density (a decisive advantage, since weight is key in space).
Energy consumption and dissipated power are further critical issues when operating power amplifiers in space. FBH is hence also developing concepts for envelope tracking – a well-proven technique for increasing the efficiency of solid-state power amplifiers.
