Development of a MOEMS sun sensor for space applications

This paper presents the development of a miniaturized, thin film sun sensor for sun angle detection in space applications. The overall design, different thin film layer sequences, processes, materials used and system integration are described. The sun sensor has a field of view (FoV) of greater than 2π sr (±90°) and shall have a resolution of approximately 1° in elevation and azimuth angle. This sun sensor is therefore a coarse sun sensor with the advantage of having a large field of view. Key elements are the curved shape, the photosensitive layer consisting of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), the transparent conductive layer consisting of thin molybdenum or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, and its integrated design. Different possible layer sequences are presented and discussed. The sun sensor will be one of the sensors in the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) of a nano-satellite.