Lithium Niobate for next-generation instruments of Galileo Solar Space Telescope (GSST/INPE)

• Grant number: 23/01324-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 24, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Astronomical Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Luis Eduardo Antunes Vieira
• Grantee: Franciele Carlesso
• Supervisor: Marianne Cochez
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Laboratoire Matériaux optiques, photonique et systèmes, Saint-Avold (LMOPS), France
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/13309-6 - Lithium niobate for next-generation instruments of Galileo Solar Space Telescope (GSST/INPE), BP.PD

Abstract

Solar radiation is mainly modulated by the evolution of the structure of the Sun's magnetic field. Although systematic observations have been carried out, there is still no complete understanding of the physics of the processes that lead to cyclic variability in solar activity or long-term variations. The Galileo Solar Space Telescope (GSST) is a frontier mission of knowledge to provide accurate measurements of the magnetic field in the photosphere and upper layers of the solar atmosphere and to understand the influence of the Sun on Earth's Climate. Lithium niobate crystal (LiNbO3 or LN) has excellent properties for application in two new components of GSST instruments: spectropolarimeters and absolute radiometers. The group has developed innovative solutions using lithium niobate to apply both devices. The present Research Internships Abroad (BEPE) aims to study and optimize the LN properties for these applications. The process requires a fine adjustment of the parameters for stable growth to obtain high-quality single fiber. Within our work, LN fiber crystals were prepared by the micro-pulling down (u-PD) method and characterized in terms of their structural, chemical, and optical properties. u-PD is a useful screening for growing bulk crystals for the next steps using the Czochralski technique. The research objectives include characterization, understanding, and correlation of physical, chemical, structural, and photorefractive properties, especially for solar observation instruments. The host group's extensive experience in crystal growth, photonic characterization, including LN, and dedicated infrastructure to characterize several properties will contribute to the academic gains of the research. This research will significantly contribute to the GSST project in overcoming the technological limitations currently addressed by the scientific community in solar observations. (AU)