Researchers highlight acousto-optic tunable filter technology for balloon-borne platforms

Researchers highlight acousto-optic tunable filter technology for balloon-borne platforms
These are example images of Saturn taken with an AOTF imager mounted on the 3.67-m advanced electro-optical system (AEOS) telescope at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). The data were acquired on UT 8 February 2002. Images were acquired in nearly 160 wavelengths between 500-950 nm, which enabled a detailed study of the cloud structure and aerosol properties of Saturn's equatorial region. Credit: Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation

Narrowband or hyperspectral imaging is a valuable technique used in planetary science for characterizing surfaces and surrounding environments. For example, it can be used to spatially map molecular species of interest on the surface of a solid or icy body, or to sound to different depths in a giant planet atmosphere. However, conducting narrowband or hyperspectral imaging of solar system targets from a balloon-borne platform presents several technical challenges, including mechanical failures and power requirements. These risks can be mitigated with the use of an electronically tunable filter such as an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF).

This paper describes the operating principles behind AOTFs, which are solid state devices that act as narrow optical filters when a traveling acoustic wave interacts with incident radiation in the crystal. Tunable cameras utilizing AOTFs provide great flexibility, since they are very compact, electronically programmable, and have low . They have extensive heritage in ground-based instruments with applications and they are radiation tolerant, hence they are well-suited to balloon-borne platforms.

While there is a myriad of potential applications of to solar system targets, this paper discusses several example use cases for a balloon-borne AOTF imaging system: synoptic studies of clouds on the giant planets and Venus, the mapping of hydrocarbon ices on the surfaces of icy bodies, studies of cometary comae, and polarimetry. The paper describes a notional AOTF imager design that includes both visible and near-infrared channels, in order to take full advantage of the spectral coverage of an AOTF.

The AOTF technology would greatly benefit from flight demonstration on a high-altitude balloon. Balloons have long served as a proving ground for testing instrument prototypes for high-energy and particle astrophysics, solar physics, and Earth science, some of which eventually flew on satellites. AOTF technology would benefit similarly, with the ultimate goal of developing an AOTF-based instrument for planetary flight projects.

More information: Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation (JAI), www.worldscientific.com/doi/ab … 42/S2251171714400054

Citation: Researchers highlight acousto-optic tunable filter technology for balloon-borne platforms (2014, October 23) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2014-10-highlight-acousto-optic-tunable-filter-technology.html
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