High-precision synchronization control of piezoelectric actuators for space-based fabry-perot spectrometer

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MPB Communications Inc. (MPBC) is developing high-resolution Fabry-Perot imaging spectrometer for small satellite application to provide 2-D multispectral mappings for atmospheric science studies. This Fabry-Perot spectrometer technology can also be applied to diverse terrestrial and space applications. MPBC's Fabry-Perot spectrometer employs a set of piezoelectric actuators to provide spectral tuning of the desired optical signal transmittance by selecting the gap spacing of a special tunable optical filter at nanometer level. This allows the wavelength scan step size to be software programmable to meet various spectral resolution requirements. By tuning the optical filter, a multispectral or hyperspectral scan can be obtained.Piezoelectric actuators are the key elements for MPBC's Fabry-Perot spectrometer. However, the inherent nonlinearities such as hysteresis, creep, dynamic effect, drifts due to mechanical vibration and temperature change limit the positioning accuracy and response speed of a piezoelectric actuator, and its application.Through this collaborative project, we aim to advance some key technologies in dynamics modelling and control system design for piezoelectric actuators. These advancements will be expected to greatly improve the performance of MPBC's 2-D Fabry-Perot imaging spectrometer and enable its application in future space missions. This proposed project will also be perfect for the academic institution since it combines engineering with science, and will serve as an excellent platform for the training of highly qualified personnel for Canada.