Application prospects of magneto-optical switches in the aerospace field

Magneto-optical switch (MOS) is an optical device based on magneto-optical effect (such as Faraday effect), which can control the transmission or reflection state of optical signals through external magnetic field. In the aerospace field, its unique performance (such as non-mechanical operation, radiation resistance, high reliability, etc.) makes it important in the following scenarios:

1. Satellite optical communication (laser communication)
High-speed signal switching: In satellite-to-satellite or satellite-to-ground laser communication, magneto-optical switch can achieve high-speed switching of optical paths (microsecond response) and adapt to dynamic topology changes (such as link reconstruction of low-orbit satellite constellations).

Anti-interference ability: No mechanical moving parts are required, avoiding mechanical wear problems caused by vibration and microgravity in the space environment, and improving system life.

Multi-wavelength processing: Support multi-band optical signal routing to meet high-capacity communication needs (such as multiplexing of quantum communication and classical communication).

2. Spacecraft optical system
Redundant switching: In the optical payload of deep space probes (such as spectrometers and imagers), magneto-optical switches can quickly switch backup optical paths to deal with single-point failures.
Radiation-resistant design: Magneto-optical materials (such as yttrium iron garnet YIG) are more tolerant to space radiation environments than traditional electronic devices and are suitable for long-term missions (such as Mars exploration).

3. Space laser radar (LiDAR)
Beam scanning alternative: Non-mechanical beam deflection is achieved through magneto-optical switch arrays to avoid the reliability problems of traditional rotating mirrors and is used for planetary surface topography mapping or obstacle avoidance.

4. Space station and manned spaceflight
In-cabin fiber optic network: In the fiber optic sensor network inside the space station, magneto-optical switches can isolate faulty nodes or reconstruct monitoring paths (such as temperature and strain sensing systems).
Life support system: Used for optical path switching of optical gas detectors to monitor the air quality in the cabin in real time.

5. Advantages of extreme environment resistance
Temperature stability: Magneto-optical switches have stable performance in a wide temperature range (-100°C to +150°C), suitable for extreme temperature difference environments such as the moon and Mars.
Anti-electromagnetic interference: No electrical contacts to avoid the influence of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) caused by space plasma or solar flares.

Nanning xonghua photoelectric provides: mechanical optical switches, MEMS optical switches, magneto-optical switches. Special optical fibers and wavelengths can be customized.