You are here

Differencing Electrostatic Optical Sensor (DEOS)

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNK04OA08C
Agency Tracking Number: 023407
Amount: $599,999.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg 100
Torrance, CA 90501
United States
DUNS: 153865951
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Michael Reznikov
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 320-3088
 sutama@poc.com
Business Contact
 Gordon Drew
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (310) 320-3088
Email: gdrew@poc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

In response to NASA?s need for miniature sensors to detect and measure electrostatic potential and charge distribution on payloads, spacecraft, and landers, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) in Phase I developed and demonstrated an innovative Differential Electrostatic Optical Sensor (DEOS) to overcome the current sensor problems of electrostatic shock and EMI vulnerability. POC proved the feasibility of the DEOS concept, and demonstrated sensitivity to an induced charge of 15 mV/nC, which not only meets but exceeds the NASA requirement. This sensitivity to charge enables DEOS, to remotely measure voltage with a sensitivity of 40 V per mV of output signal at a distance of 4 in., exceeding the sensitivity of commercially available sensors by a factor of 2.5. In Phase II, we will optimize the DEOS design and complete the development of DEOS, greatly advancing the accuracy and reliability of electrostatic charge and field measurements for many NASA applications. In the process, we will develop two key components: the photo-acoustic modulator (PAM), which will transform induced charge to alternating electric current; and the electro-optical converter (EOC) which will transform that electric current into an alternating optical signal. Phase II will culminate in testing, demonstration and delivery of a prototype.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government