The Bridge - Issue 3, 2021 - 34

Graduate Research SP
TLIGHT
Katherine Wilson
Omicron, Cornell University, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Ph.D. Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, NASA Space Technology Research Fellow
RESEARCH TOPIC
Propellant-free, Non-contact Electromagnetic Actuation for Microgravity
The International Space Station (ISS), proposed Lunar Gateway, and other space infrastructure require routine
servicing. Propellant-free methods for extravehicular maintenance facilitate autonomous or remote tasks, reduce
launch costs for propellant and avoid plume contact with sensitive instruments. Potential client spacecraft,
including the ISS, have conductive surfaces due to orbital debris shielding. These surfaces facilitate use of forces
due to time-varying magnetic fields (i.e., from induced eddy currents) produced by magnets and electric fields
produced by electrostatic actuators. This research combines electrical and aerospace engineering perspectives
to develop sustainable, non-contact actuation methods for servicing vehicles to move relative to and manipulate
client spacecraft. As a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow, Katherine has mentored two undergraduate
engineering students through this research to facilitate interest in mechatronics for space robotics and
microgravity actuation.
Bottom: This research concept figure shows a microgravity free flyer in gold using an electromagnetic actuator array facing the conductive
surface of the International Space Station. Top: An actuator array that combines eddy-current actuators (permanent magnet rotors and AC
electromagnets) with an electrostatic actuator (plate) provides 6-degree-of-freedom relative mobility for an inspection vehicle.
LEARN MORE
https://www.spacecraftresearch.com/eddycurrent-actuation
Behnam Pouya
Kappa Kappa, University of Texas at Dallas, Ph.D. Candidate in Electrical Engineering
RESEARCH TOPIC
Far Infrared Detection in CMOS Technologies
Doing his PhD at the University of Texas at Dallas in the
Texas Analog Center of Excellence (TXACE) with Dr. Kenneth O,
Behnam is working on bridging the so called " THz Gap " of the
EM spectrum using CMOS technology. He is trying to push
the CMOS imaging limit toward 40 THz. Along the way, novel
structures with an ultra-high cut-off frequency in excess of 5 THz
were fabricated, measured, and characterized in CMOS without
any process modification.
The electronic signal detection using CMOS would help realize
the true potential of THz CMOS with countless applications
ranging from early-cancer detection to night-vision. It can also be
used in airports for detection of viral infections including N1H1
virus (known as swine flu), SARS, bird flu, COVID-19, and any
kind of diseases with fever as a symptom.
LEARN MORE
behnam.pouya@utdallas.edu
Applications of FIR EM waves. (Top-Left) People head-counting in the day
and night. (Top-Right) Building thermal inspection for efficiency. (Bottom-Left)
Pandemic flu countermeasure. (Bottom-Center) Early detection of body tissue
damage. (Bottom-Right) Pedestrian detection at night and seeing through
smoke/fog for automotive radar system.
CONTACT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnam-pouya-7772b981/
THE BRIDGE

https://www.spacecraftresearch.com/eddycurrent-actuation https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnam-pouya-7772b981/ https://hkn.ieee.org/

The Bridge - Issue 3, 2021

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