Holographic study of microsystems during space missions in the 21st century

Abstract

Classification of microsystems is introduced. Review of holographic terrestrial aerospace research and in-orbit holographic investigations performed in microgravity conditions during the last century is given. Prospects of holographic in-orbit research of microsystems in the 21th century are regarded. Prospects of holographic research during future interplanetary missions in the 21th century are discussed. Advanced holographic techniques are presented. They enable quite novel possibilities of producing holograms and holographic interferorams of MEMS, microelectronic components and other microsystems. These innovative techniques suit ideally for testing of MEMS and microelectronics, monitoring of various physical processes, studying of vibrations and static deformations in microgravity aboard current orbital International Space Station. Minimal hardware is required. The hardware is very compact, portable and user-friendly. It is so simple that it can be operated by an astronaut having practically no skill in optics. One of the early variants of holographic techniques invented by this author was used to obtain the first ever holograms and holographic interferograms of different physical phenomena outside the Earth aboard navigating spaceships. The unique feature of innovative techniques is the possibility to work in real time in situ. It is possible to obtain holograms and holographic interferogams in any brightly lit environment, including sunlit environments. The last might be very important in the future planetary missions. Novel very small holographic device is presented. It is portable device with no lenses and no alignment problems. Holographic minirobot for planet-based investigations is proposed. Experimental data properly illustrating novel vast possibilities and prospects for the future in-orbit and interplanetary space research are presented.