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Infrared Microspectrometer based on MEOMS Lamellar Grating Interferometer

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX12CG16P
Agency Tracking Number: 110098
Amount: $124,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: T4.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-02-22
Small Business Information
590 Territorial Drive, Suite B
Bolingbrook, IL -
United States
DUNS: 068568588
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Silviu Velicu
 Principal Investigator
 (630) 771-0203
 svelicu@epir.com
Business Contact
 Sivalingam Sivananthan
Title: Business Official
Phone: (630) 771-0201
Email: ssivananthan@epir.com
Research Institution
 University of California Santa Cruz
 Jordan Riley
 
MS: Engineering Baskin 350A 1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1077
United States

 () -
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
Abstract

Infrared spectroscopy is an invaluable detection and measurement tool intensively used in Earth Science, Solar Physics and Astrophysics experiments pursued from satellite platforms. The geometrical characteristics and sensitivity of satellite infrared spectroscopy systems is often determined or limited by their optical elements. Improvements in optical components allow one to reduce the mass and increase the sensitivity of the system. Here we propose a compact, high sensitivity sensor based on the integration of HgCdTe photodiode detection technology with micro-opto-electromechanical-systems (MOEMS) technology. This combines HgCdTe's high sensitivity with an inexpensive MOEMS lamellar grating interferometer (LGI) device. During Phase I we will perform the optical and mechanical design of the lamellar grating elements, identify suitable processes for fabrication, demonstrate etch processes compatible with the LGI design, and demonstrate prototype lamellar elements. During Phase II, we will further optimize the LGI components, minimize their size, weight and power, and integrate them into an operational LGI. A prototype LGI instrument will be deployed in an environment with controlled input of a variety of low-level test gases. We will develop and test detection-identification algorithms and build a characterization set-up to assess the LGI's sensitivity, selectivity and probability of detection.

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

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