Optical fiber devices in space environmental conditions

Abstract The mechanical, temperature, out-gas and irradiation characteristics of optical fiber cords, light emitting diodes, opto-electronic receptacles and other optical fiber devices were tested to evaluate the performance in the space environmental conditions. The result indicated the good durability of these devices in general, but several problems were also pointed out and were examined afterward for the improvement. The out-gas and the temperature (−55– + 150°C) characteristics of the optical fiber cord were improved in trial manufacturing. The improved LED receptacles showed output variation of less than 0.06 dB at 0.87 × 10 6 rad (Si) of γ irradiation and ±0.5 dB for −55– + 150°C temperature cycling when compensating the temperature variation of the light emitting diodes. The weight and the power consumption were estimated for the future space-borne fiber optic data bus system, and 56% of weight reduction was estimated comparing to the conventional wire system. Through the environmental test and the trial manufacturing, the application of optical fiber devices to the space-borne equipment was evaluated to be feasible when properly improved.