Role of Lasers in the Eco-System of Outer Space

Photonics Technologies for the Development of a Sustainable Eco-System in Outer Space:

The presentation addresses the changing space eco system, the strategic value of outer space, and its commoditization.  It also focuses on how photonics technologies could help to ensure that this change in the space eco system is sustainable.

Lasers in Metrology and Materials Processing to Support the Changing Eco-System of Outer Space:

The presentation addresses key aspects for material processing in outer space. The need for laser processing to imbue multifunctional properties to materials and the Aerospace development of a scripted laser processing architecture demonstrated in various applications. scenarios are considered. If time permits, quantum communication systems relying on spatial states will be presented.

About the Speaker

Dr. Henry Helvajian is a Technical Fellow/Principal Scientist with The Aerospace Corporation working in the Physical Sciences Laboratories.   He is recognized internationally in the areas of miniaturizing space systems and in laser material interaction physics/chemistry. His investigations on miniaturizing satellites, in the early 1990’s, led to the development of the world’s first <1 kg mass picosatellite which has since evolved into the CubeSat or Nanosatellite class vehicles. He helped in developing the initial Nanosatellite programs in the USA.

In the early 1990’s he chaired the first Gordon Conference on low fluence laser interactions with surfaces.  He has conducted research in laser fabrication of materials, developing manufacturing methodologies for mass-producing nanosatellites, developing new spacecraft architectures that are reconfigurable and self-sustaining (i.e., HIVE), use of laser induced surface acoustic waves to enhance molecular mobility in CVD, and in developing process control diagnostics for additive manufacturing.  His exploration of laser 3D patterning in photostructurable glass-ceramics in mid-2000’s led to the development of glass-MEMS which is now used in developing bio-instruments.

His most recent focus is technology for the identification/desensitization of bio-contaminants on space systems and in leading an Aerospace team in the design of a space architecture to send spacecraft to 550 AU for direct imaging of an exoplanet 100 ly distant (solar gravity lens mission).  He was involved in the initiation of the Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC) focusing on the Research and Technology to support the changing space eco system. Dr. Helvajian has mentored numerous young career staff in addition to post-doctoral students, graduate and undergraduate students.   He has edited five books on microengineering space systems and has authored over 100 articles and book chapters in multiple disciplines. Dr. Helvajian serves as Chair in several international Conferences on laser applications.  He currently holds 33 USA patents and 10 international patents and is a Fellow of the SPIE, being recognized for his contributions in the fields of optics and photonics.