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Laser optics in space failure risk due to laser induced contamination

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Abstract

In this paper, a study of the evolution and morphology of UV laser-induced contamination (LIC) on optical surfaces due to hydrocarbons will be presented. LIC is a major hazard for lasers that operate in vacuum conditions. Recent studies have shown that the manufacturing method and cleaning of optical components can significantly mitigate LIC growth but never stop it completely. To better understand and model the evolution of LIC the deposition rate and transmission decay were observed via a CCD camera that measured laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and energy detectors, respectively. The affected sites were observed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Phase Shift Interferometry (PSI). The LIC affected area diameters obtained by different experimental conditions were then compared with the theoretical prediction derived by the model. Very good agreement between this empirical model and the experimental results was found for the relevant parameter regimes under investigation. A novel methodology to determine the possibility of permanent optical damage due to LIC produced thermal effects is also discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The research presented is funded under ESA contract 4000106421/12/NL/PA and was performed as partial fulfilment of Doctorate studies

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre Spatial de Liège, Université de Liège, Liège Science Park, 4031, Angleur, Liège, Belgium

    D. Kokkinos, K. Fleury-Frenette, M. P. Georges & P. Rochus

  2. Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    H. Schroeder & W. Riede

  3. European Space Research and Technology Centre, Keperlaan 1, 2201 AZ, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

    G. Tzeremes

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  1. D. Kokkinos
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  2. H. Schroeder
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  3. K. Fleury-Frenette
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  4. M. P. Georges
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  5. W. Riede
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  6. G. Tzeremes
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  7. P. Rochus
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Correspondence to D. Kokkinos.

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Kokkinos, D., Schroeder, H., Fleury-Frenette, K. et al. Laser optics in space failure risk due to laser induced contamination. CEAS Space J 9, 153–162 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-016-0137-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-016-0137-1

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