As we all observe space missions are long term projects fraught with delays and unwanted failures, but with the successful landing of NASA’s Curiosity, LASER COMPONENTS were particularly pleased. Having supplied a range of UV sensing photodiodes manufactured by IFW Optronics GmbH since 2007, it is a pleasure to see their safe arrival on the Martian surface.
Arranged in a hexagon pattern on the top of Curiosity, see inset, these photodiodes will gather data about the Martian UV content in preparation for man’s eventual habitation and colonisation of Mars.
Silicon carbide is the choice for harsh UV environments proven to withstand the punishing effects of denaturing many materials, including silicon that is used in conventional photodiodes, and human beings, see all too well after 15 minutes in the sun on a hot summers day without sunblock.
Other applications than Martian daylight measurement include UV light sterilisation equipment for water treatment, food preparation, scientific instruments measuring UV content, and processing equipment reliant on UV light exposure. Whilst both on Earth and Mars UV light can have severe damaging effects, harnessed in the correct way it has beneficial effects when treating Legionella and Legionnaire’s disease in water tanks in schools and hospitals for example, and UV curing optical adhesive used extensively in the optical industry.
