Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore have developed an advanced cryogenic optical fibre sensor capable of functioning at extremely low temperatures, paving the way for its use in upcoming space missions. The sensor has been developed at the Mechatronics and Instrumentation Lab of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, led by Prof. IA Palani and Dr. Nandini Patra. The project is underway in close collaboration with ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) under the RESPOND programme, with three joint patents currently being processed. Why cryogenic sensing matters Critical systems in aerospace, energy, medical technology and transport often operate near the boiling points of helium, hydrogen and nitrogen. Conventional resistive and thermocouple-based sensors work in these ranges but frequently lose reliability in extreme cryogenic conditions. Optical fibre sensors offer a lighter, interference-free alternative, yet standard fibres tend to lose sensitivity at very low temperatures. Shape memory alloy coating enhances sensitivity To overcome this inherent limitation, the IIT Indore team has used Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coatings on optical fibres. SMAs can operate across a wide temperature span. When applied to optical fibres, they amplify the change in the optical signal, resulting in significantly improved sensitivity at cryogenic temperatures. Key features of the new sensor • Operates reliably at temperatures as low as –270°C
• Shows higher sensitivity than telecom-grade optical fibres, which lose performance below –150°C
• Performs better than metal-coated fibre sensors due to SMA phase transformation that boosts optical response Wide range of industrial and space applications The newly developed sensor can be deployed in various cryogenic systems, including:
• Monitoring LNG pipelines and storage tanks up to –180°C
• Detecting leaks, flow rates and liquid levels
• Assessing thermal health of launch vehicle components
• Measuring temperature and liquid levels in spacecraft fuel tanks, even under vacuum and microgravity Institute leaders hail the achievement IIT Indore Director Prof. Suhas Joshi said the innovation strengthens India’s strategic technological capabilities. Our collaboration with ISRO LPSC shows how advanced academic research can directly support national space missions. he said. Prof. Palani added that monitoring ultra-low temperatures in spacecraft fuel tanks is a significant challenge. 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. he said. Next Phase: Packaging for space deployment The research team is currently working with LPSC to develop robust sensor packaging for integration into spacecraft systems, ensuring stable performance under the demanding conditions of space missions.
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