Investigation of a RF-generator applicable for integration into an ESA-space mission

In the frame of an ESA-mission (European Space Agency) a RF-generator which can withstand the harsh space environment is being developed. This RF-generator is a part of the ALTIUS-instrument (Atmospheric Limb Tracker for the Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere). The goal of the mission is to make hyper spectral images of the limb of the earth in different wavelength domains. For this, a three-channel spectral imager is implemented, measuring in the ultraviolet (250 nm to 450 nm), visible (440 nm to 800 nm) and near infrared (900 nm to 1800 nm) wavelength domains, that is bound to fly aboard a PROBA-satellite. The RF-generator will apply a RF-signal to an AOTF (Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter). The AOTF manages to convert RF-power into acoustic power which implies a diffracted beam at a different angle at the output of the AOTF as a function of the applied frequency and power. This beam is focused onto a detector which performs the imaging.status: publishe