OPTICAL DETECTION ASSEMBLY HAVING AN IMPROVED THERMAL CONTROL OPTICAL DETECTOR, OBSERVATION INSTRUMENT AND SATELLITE COMPRISING SUCH AN OPTICAL DETECTION ASSEMBLY

摘要

The optical detection assembly includes at least one optical detector to be placed in a focal plane of an observation instrument and a thermal control device dedicated to maintain the optical detector at a predefined operating temperature. The thermal control device comprises a ceramic plate supporting the optical detector, a shim for adjusting the position of the optical detector and an external radiator. The thermal control device further comprises a phase change material in direct contact with the optical detector, the phase change component being housed in an open cavity of the adjustment shim, without any contact with the shim, or with the ceramic plate.