With so much still to learn about our solar system and universe we have to investigate phenomenon often taken for granted on Earth such as the UV content falling on the Martian surface
Far higher demands are placed on components for astronomical applications.
While the ill-fated Beagle2 space probe was lost on Christmas Day 2003 and recently there appears to be evidence to suggest the probe did land, Laser Components supplied UV silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode detectors used in the mission.
These detectors were fully tested for space application for use by the Beagle2 probe and became part of several UV sensing instruments that would allow the UV spectrum on Mars to be better understood, essential if man is to land there one day.
These tests included surviving the harsh temperature swings (-200C to 0C twice each day), vibration during take-off, harsh radiation exposure throughout the mission, and the UV radiation itself, a punishing region of the spectrum that disassociates most materials such as plastics and most man-made materials such as adhesives.
However, the adhesive on the LCUK photodiodes were tested and found to withstand the UV levels believed to exist.
These UV SiC photodiodes are supplied in four different chip sizes up to 1mm2 in TO18 packages, or with optional UV-A, -B and -C integrated filters in TO5 packages.
Non-space tested photodiodes include those with integrated transimpedance amplifiers.
