Bibcode
Sanny, Ahmed; Gatkine, Pradip; García Varela, Leticia; García-Vázquez, Hugo; Témich, Félix Garcia; Rodríguez Ramos, Luis Fernando; Jovanovic, Nemanja
Bibliographical reference
UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts XII
Advertised on:
9
2025
Citations
0
Refereed citations
0
Description
Astrophotonics, a specialized branch of integrated optics, is transforming observational astronomy by providing compact and efficient photonic solutions to replace traditional bulky optical systems. Originally stemming from the telecommunication industry, astrophotonics has matured into a distinct field tailored to the demanding requirements of astronomical applications. The state-of-the-art has indicated that optical properties such as throughput, polarization, and birefringence are heavily influenced by the choice of material and the fabrication process, for example, lithography and ultrafast laser inscription. Emerging space-based projects, i.e., NASA's flagship program - Habitable World Observatory (HWO), are driving the demand for sophisticated photonic devices that can operate across visible to infrared wavelengths. Such space missions require the development and testing of astrophotonic technologies in simulated space environments that meet the stringent requirements of astronomy, including optical performance, mechanical robustness, thermal stability, durability against high-energy particles, and reliability, as specified in the General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS) GSFC-STD7000 guideline. In this report, we outline the experimental and statistical approaches employed to evaluate the space qualification of both passive and active waveguide-based astrophotonic devices. In these initial efforts, we describe the testing of SiO2-based near-infrared components, for instance, Photonic Lanterns, Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWGs), Directional Couplers, Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), and their interfaces with fibers under low-earth orbit simulated space conditions, including thermal cycling, vacuum, and acceleration testing. We measure the degradation of on-chip throughput, coupling efficiency, spectral response, and birefringence of the devices, and identify their mechanical failure points. These tests will aid in developing strategies for robust design, fabrication, and packaging of astrophotonic devices in space environments.