Development of an European QCM - Outgassing detector with miniaturised interfaces

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Development of an European QCM - Outgassing detector with miniaturised interfaces

Sekler, J. / Wobmann, L.

Outgassing detectors based on resonating quartz crystal sensors are current tools to monitor contamination from organic residues on board spacecraft, in space environmental test facilities or other ultra-clean vacuum equipment. They are also used to analyse dust particles accumulation during space missions or in cleanrooms. Initiated by an internal report at ESA-ESTEC in the 80's (1), a redesign study with prototype development for an improved European Quartz Crystal Monitor (QCM) was accomplished in our R&D-laboratory. Subsequently, several sensor head model versions for various missions have been realised, some models being produced even at a space qualification level now flying in orbit (2, 3). This paper presents the newest development of a miniature cleanliness monitoring system built for satellite test facilities and offering added functionality. An existing vacuum assembly designed for cryogenic cooling of our QCM contamination monitors has been improved further and successfully tested in our own space vacuum simulation facility. Furthermore, a miniaturised electronics interface with programmable functions was designed in order to transmit the signals containing contamination and other information to a distant remote computer. As a unique feature, the patented crystal sensors have integrated microsensors combining mass detection with direct temperature reading, making a correction for dynamic temperature dependent drifts possible only. Optionally, more smart functions are to be implemented for getting additional MEMS functionality.