MS in ME Degree

Thesis Title:

A Microresonator-Based
Laser Doppler Velocity Sensor
For Interplanetary Atmospheric Re-Entry

Written By: Benjamin J.A. Wise

Advisor: M. Volkan Otugen

Defended: 18 April 2018

Degree Conferred: 19 May 2018

Abstract:

In this thesis, a laser velocity sensor concept based on optical microresonators is presented and the application to spacecraft atmospheric entry is explored. The concept is based on the measurement of Doppler shift of back-scattered laser light. Specifically, the Doppler shift is detected by observing the whispering gallery optical modes (WGM) of a dielectric microresonator excited by the back scattered light from particulates and gas molecules. The microresonator replaces the typical Fabry-Perot interferometer and CCD camera system, thereby significantly reducing the size and weight of the overall detection system. This thesis presents proof-of-concept results for this measurement approach. The Doppler shift of a tunable narrow line laser scattered from the edge of a rotating disk is measured using a ~ 500µm diameter silica sphere as a microresonator. Different coupling modes (fiberbased and free-space) are explored and different resonator tuning methods (piezo-modulated and wavelength-modulated) are discussed. Results indicate that such a detection scheme is possible, although improvements to signal processing may be required for measurements in a gas. An improved signal processing algorithm is introduced and discussed.

Thesis

Wise, B. J. A. (2018). A MICRORESONATOR-BASED LASER DOPPLER VELOCITY SENSOR FOR INTERPLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY (Master’s Thesis, Southern Methodist University, 2018). Dallas: Southern Methodist University.

• Local Thesis Copy

• SMU Scholar (Original Publisher)

Defense Presentation

Wise, B. J. A. (2018, April 18). A MICRORESONATOR-BASED LASER DOPPLER VELOCITY SENSOR FOR INTERPLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY. Lecture presented at Southern Methodist University. Benjamin J.A. Wise: MS Thesis Defense, Dallas.

• Local Thesis Defense Copy

Defense Announcement

Announcement of Thesis Defense to the Faculty of the Lyle School of Engineering at SMU.

• Local Thesis Defense Announcement Copy