Developing a phosphor-based health monitoring sensor suite for future spacecraft

S. M. Goedeke; W. A. Hollerman; N. P. Bergeron; S. W. Allison; R. J. Moore

doi:10.1117/12.659727

10 May 2006 Developing a phosphor-based health monitoring sensor suite for future spacecraft

S. M. Goedeke, W. A. Hollerman, N. P. Bergeron, S. W. Allison, R. J. Moore

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6222, Sensors for Propulsion Measurement Applications; 62220B (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.659727
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

The desire to explore the Moon and Mars by 2030 makes cost effective and low mass health monitoring sensors essential for spacecraft development. Parameters such as impact, temperature, and radiation fluence need to be measured in order to determine the health of a human occupied vehicle. A phosphor-based sensor offers one good approach to develop a robust health monitoring system. The authors have spent the last few years evaluating physical characteristics of zinc sulfide (ZnS) phosphors. These materials emit triboluminescence (TL) which is fluorescence produced as a result of an impact. Currently, two ZnS materials have been tested for impact response for velocities from 1 m/s to 6 km/s. These materials have also been calibrated for use as temperature sensors from room temperature to 350 °C. Finally, any sensor that is intended to function in space must be characterized for response to ionizing radiation. Research to date has included irradiating ZnS with 3 MeV protons and 20 keV electrons, which are likely components of the space radiation environment. Results have shown that that the fluorescence emission intensity decreases with radiation fluence. However, radiation induced damage can be annealed at small fluence levels. This annealing not only increased light intensity of the exposed sample from excitation but also TL excitation as well.

Citation Download Citation

S. M. Goedeke, W. A. Hollerman, N. P. Bergeron, S. W. Allison, and R. J. Moore "Developing a phosphor-based health monitoring sensor suite for future spacecraft", Proc. SPIE 6222, Sensors for Propulsion Measurement Applications, 62220B (10 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.659727

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