Fibers used in space research are exposed to cosmic radiation, resulting in a degradation of their optical properties. Once irradiated, these fibers dissipate heat that could be harvested and converted into electrical energy to power the satellites functions. This is why Professor Federico Rosei of Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is working to optimize fibers for use in space and in energy recovery.
Professor Rosei's team is leading this project in collaboration with Polytechnique Montreal and the Montreal-based companies Pi-SOL Technologies and MPB Communications.
"This partnership leverages each group's complementary expertise to achieve our shared goals of monitoring and optimizing innovative devices for applications in space," said Professor Rosei, recipient of the 2021 Prix du Quebec Marie-Victorin.
This multidisciplinary project will further develop Quebec's expertise in telecommunications, advanced technologies, and aerospace engineering. Improving the performance and extending the durability of fibers doped with erbium and ytterbium, two rare earth metals, will meet the needs of the aerospace industry.
"The support provided by our government for research on innovative materials will allow Quebec's aerospace sector to continue its development and remain a leader in future technologies," said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development.
Two phases of research
The team will first focus on optimizing a "photobleaching" process for regenerating fibers exposed to radiation. This process uses a laser source to restore the optical properties of the fibers. This first step will provide a better understanding of fiber-laser interactions and the effects of radiation on the materials.
In the second stage, the team will focus on converting the heat dissipated by the fibers into electrical energy. To this end, the scientists will develop a thermoelectric coating to ensure optimal energy recovery.
This project will ultimately make it possible to conduct very high-speed satellite communications for as long as the fibers are used in space. This would allow scientists to receive Earth observation images in near real time.
