IIT Indore Develops Advanced Cryogenic Sensor for Space

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore have made significant advancements in cryogenic sensor technology, developing an advanced optical fibre sensor capable of functioning at extremely low temperatures. This innovative sensor is poised to enhance capabilities in upcoming space missions and has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).

Overview of the Development

The project is being led by Prof. I.A. Palani and Dr. Nandini Patra at the Mechatronics and Instrumentation Lab within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Indore. The research is part of the RESPOND programme, and the team is currently processing three joint patents related to their work.

Importance of Cryogenic Sensing

Cryogenic sensing is crucial for various critical systems in aerospace, energy, medical technology, and transportation. Many of these systems operate near the boiling points of gases like helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Traditional sensors, such as resistive and thermocouple-based devices, often lose reliability and accuracy in extreme cryogenic conditions.

Optical fibre sensors provide a promising alternative due to their lightweight design and immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, standard optical fibres tend to lose sensitivity when exposed to very low temperatures, which has been a significant limitation in their application.

Innovative Use of Shape Memory Alloy Coatings

To address the sensitivity issues associated with traditional optical fibres, the IIT Indore research team has employed Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coatings on the optical fibres. SMAs are materials that can undergo significant changes in shape and size in response to temperature variations. When applied to optical fibres, these coatings enhance the optical signal’s response, resulting in significantly improved sensitivity at cryogenic temperatures.

Key Features of the New Sensor

• Operates reliably at temperatures as low as –270°C.
• Exhibits higher sensitivity than conventional telecom-grade optical fibres, which typically lose performance below –150°C.
• Outperforms metal-coated fibre sensors due to the SMA phase transformation, which boosts the optical response.

Applications in Industry and Space

The newly developed cryogenic sensor has a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Monitoring liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines and storage tanks at temperatures as low as –180°C.
• Detecting leaks, measuring flow rates, and assessing liquid levels.
• Evaluating the thermal health of components in launch vehicles.
• Measuring temperature and liquid levels in spacecraft fuel tanks, even under vacuum and microgravity conditions.

Recognition from Institute Leaders

Prof. Suhas Joshi, the Director of IIT Indore, expressed pride in the innovation, stating that it strengthens India’s strategic technological capabilities. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with ISRO’s LPSC, noting that advanced academic research can directly support national space missions.

Prof. I.A. Palani highlighted the challenges of monitoring ultra-low temperatures in spacecraft fuel tanks and stated, “We have developed a highly sensitive SMA-based optical fibre sensor capable of working even at liquid helium temperatures. The technology is now being refined for spacecraft applications.”

Next Steps: Packaging for Space Deployment

The research team is currently collaborating with LPSC to develop robust packaging for the sensor, ensuring its stable performance in the demanding conditions of space missions. This packaging will be essential for integrating the sensor into spacecraft systems, allowing for reliable data collection and monitoring during missions.

Conclusion

The development of this advanced cryogenic sensor by IIT Indore represents a significant leap forward in sensor technology, particularly for applications in space exploration and cryogenic systems. By enhancing sensitivity and reliability at extremely low temperatures, this innovation is set to play a crucial role in future space missions and various industrial applications.

Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and highlights the ongoing research and developments at IIT Indore.