Testing the Protective Ability of Liquid Crystal Glass for Photosensitive Components in the Space Environment

This study investigates the potential use of liquid crystal (LC) glass as a protective solution for CMOS sensors in small satellites. LC glass can attenuate light in proportional response to a voltage source, offering a method of protection against direct sunlight that may damage a photosensitive sensor. This study will also include a secondary investigation into the use of LC glass in more diverse imaging applications, not commonly seen with a single sensor. These applications include the ability to capture both Earth and Solar imagery. LC glass offers a lightweight, solid-state, and thin alternative to traditional mechanical solutions, such as shutters, aligning well with the mass and volume constraints of small satellites. While its effectiveness in space environments requires further evaluation, LC glass presents a novel means for enhancing the reliability and applicability of cameras and other photosensitive components in small satellite applications.