Speaker
Description
Space exploration and space-based observations increasingly rely on miniaturized sensors capable of operating under stringent constraints on mass, volume, power consumption, and performance. Microfabrication provides a versatile technological platform for addressing these requirements by enabling the development of thermal, optical, mechanical, and particle sensors using silicon, compound semiconductors, diamond, and advanced functional materials.
This presentation discusses how MIMEC, INPE’s Silicon Micromechanics Laboratory, can contribute to space science and instrumentation through the development, fabrication, and integration of microfabricated sensors. Representative spaceborne devices and their fabrication routes will be examined, including electrical substitution radiometers, bolometers, spectral photodetectors, energetic-particle detectors, and MEMS microvibration sensors. Radiation effects are recognized as a fundamental requirement for space applications, although radiation hardening and full space qualification are beyond the scope of this presentation.
Particular emphasis is placed on an ongoing collaboration with the GSST for the development of an electrical substitution radiometer for solar irradiance measurements. This application is presented as a technology-driving project through which MIMEC can consolidate capabilities in silicon micromachining, thin-film deposition and patterning, thermal isolation, absorbers, sensor integration, packaging, and electrothermal characterization.
Finally, the presentation introduces some of MIMEC’s capabilities and discusses how they may contribute to the development of microfabricated sensors for space exploration and for missions led by INPE and its research partners.