Subject Area
Mechanical Engineering
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.
Degree Date
Spring 5-19-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.M.E.
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
M. Volkan Otugen
Number of Pages
78
Format
Recommended Citation
Wise, Benjamin, "A Microresonator-Based Laser Doppler Velocity Sensor For Interplanetary Atmospheric Re-Entry" (2018). Mechanical Engineering Research Theses and Dissertations. 4.
https://scholar.smu.edu/engineering_mechanical_etds/4
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Commons, Electro-Mechanical Systems Commons
