Distributed Fiber-optic Electrostatic Potential Sensor System for Spacecrafts

We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of using a distributed fiber-optic sensor system to monitor high electrostatic voltages and surface electrical charge density on spacecraft components. Based on functional material jacketed FBG sensors and WDM technologies, the sensor system features noise immunity to electromagnetic interference, good electrical isolation, and is compact and lightweight. A unique multi-channel demodulation approach is proposed, which allows tens or hundreds of sensors to be integrated through an optical fiber and to share a single light source. This system will be particularly useful for detection/monitoring of hazardous electrostatic potentials and/or large surface charges on spacecraft surfaces. It also provides real-time multi-points measurement of surface charge, which could benefit scientific research in understanding surface charging in the plasma environment.