Overview

optical fiber for space environment

For space grade fiber amplifiers

The need for new earth and universe observation satellites is becoming more and more important, with new challenges in this very hostile space environment where components are exposed to ionizing radiation. Longer missions, very distant satellite for deep space sensing, and new telecommunication demands necessitate stronger photonic devices and components to withstand ionizing radiation.
iXblue has produced more than 20 flying navigation systems that are equipped with our fibers and components. We have developed a strong experience in the qualification of such devices in collaboration with end users.

specialty optical fiber

Highlights

Benefits & Features

  • Er doped fiber: gain degradation < 0.25 dB / 100 krad with 30 dB gain EDFA
  • Er/Yb doped fiber: gain degradation <  1.5 dB / 100 krad with 10 W amplifier design
  • 6 & 12 µm core
  • Panda PM and associated passive fibers also available
  • High cumulated irradiation dose compatibility

Applications

  • Fiber lasers and amplifiers
  • Space grade amplifiers and lasers
  • Harsh environment amplifiers and lasers

Main Specifications

Datasheet

Products

Erbium Rad Hard Fibers
More infos
IXF-RAD-AMP-1

TRL 9

Rad Hard Space Grade

More infos
Absorption @980nm (dB/m): 8 +/-1
Absorption @1530nm (dB/m): 14 +/- 2
Cutoff wavelength (nm): < 1150

TRL 9

Rad Hard Space Grade

Fiber Product Specifications
IXF-RAD-AMP-1
IXF-RAD-AMP-2

New generation

Rad Hard Space Grade

More infos
Absorption @980nm (dB/m): 17 +/- 2
Absorption @1530nm (dB/m): 25 +/- 3
Cutoff wavelength (nm): < 1150

New generation

Rad Hard Space Grade

Fiber Product Specifications
IXF-RAD-AMP-2
IXF-RAD-AMP-2-PM

PM-type

Rad Hard Space Grade

More infos
Absorption @980nm (dB/m): 15.5 +/- 1.5
Absorption @1530nm (dB/m): 25 +/- 3
Cutoff wavelength (nm): < 1200

PM-type

Rad Hard Space Grade

Fiber Product Specifications
IXF-RAD-AMP-2-PM
IXF-RAD-AMP-3

State-of-the-art

Rad Hard Space Grade

More infos
Absorption @980nm (dB/m): 13.5 +/- 1.5
Absoption @1530nm (dB/m): 16 +/- 2
Cutoff wavelength (nm): < 1150

State-of-the-art

Rad Hard Space Grade

Fiber Product Specifications
IXF-RAD-AMP-3
Er/Yb Rad Hard Fibers
More infos

Publications

Recent Advances on Radiation-Hardened Optical Fiber Technologies

S. Girard, T. Robin, A. Morana, G. Mélin, A. Barnini, A. Boukenter, B. Cadier, E. Marin, L. Lablonde, A. Laurent & Y. Ouerdane

Optical Fiber Communication and Exhibition (OFC)

March 2020

Silica-based optical fibers possess key advantages for integration in radiation-rich environments as parts of communication systems, laser sources, optical amplifiers, diagnostics and point or distributed sensors. We reviewed how the understanding of the basic mechanisms of radiation effects can be exploited to optimize their tolerance to the most challenging environments.

Recent advances in radiation-hardened fiber-based technologies for space applications

S. Girard, A. Morana, A. Ladaci, T. Robin, L. Mescia, J.J Bonnefois, M. Boutillier, J. Mekki, A. Paveau, B. Cadier, E. Marin, Y. Ouerdane & A. Boukenter

Journal of Optics

1 August 2018

 

In this topical review, the recent progress on radiation-hardened fiber-based technologies is detailed, focusing on examples for space applications. In the first part of the review, we introduce the operational principles of the various fiber-based technologies considered for use in radiation environments: ...

Radiation influence on Er and Er/Yb doped fiber amplifiers performances: High power and WDM architectures

A. Ladaci, S. Girard, L. Mescia, T. Robin, A.Laurent, B. Cadier, C, Ranger, D. Kermen, B. Sane, E. Marin, M. Boutillier, Y. Ouerdane & A. Boukenter

Photonics West

January 2018

 

The actual challenge for space researchers is to increase the free space telecommunications data speed transfer. One of the most promising solutions is the optical communication systems. This technology can be used for the inter-satellite and/or satellite-ground links, ...

Robustness of astrix fiber optic gyros in space radiative environment

A. Paveau, G. Cros, R. Mangeret, S. Mariojouls & J.J. Bonnefois.

10th International ESA Conferenceon Guidance, Navigation & Control systems

June 2017

 

Development of radiation resistant passive and doped fibers started 10 years ago at iXblue. With tens of
satellites flying using iXblue Optical Fibers, we now have access to data from real space environment – not
only lab irradiation testing.

Optimized radiation-hardened erbium doped fiber amplifiers for long space missions

A. Ladaci, S. Girard, L. Mescia, T. Robin, A. Laurent, B. Cadier, M. Boutillier, Y. Ouerdane & A. Boukenter

Journal of Applied Physics 121, 163104

2017

 

In this work, we developed and exploited simulation tools to optimize the performances of rare earth doped fiber amplifiers (REDFAs) for space missions. To describe these systems, a state-of-the-art model based on the rate equations ...

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