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Infrared Microspectrometer based on MEOMS Lamellar Grating Interferometer

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2012 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
110098 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
T4.01 		Solicitation Number:
Small Business Information
EPIR Technologies Inc
590 Territorial Drive, Suite B Bolingbrook, IL -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2012
Title: Infrared Microspectrometer based on MEOMS Lamellar Grating Interferometer
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNX12CG16P
Award Amount: $124,999.00
 

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.

Principal Investigator:

Silviu Velicu
Principal Investigator
6307710203
svelicu@epir.com

Business Contact:

Sivalingam Sivananthan
Business Official
6307710201
ssivananthan@epir.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

EPIR Technologies, Inc.
590 Territorial Drive, Suite B Bolingbrook, IL 60440-4881

EIN/Tax ID: 364196918
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
University of California Santa Cruz
MS: Engineering Baskin 350A 1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1077
Contact: Jordan Riley