{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":11954,"title":"Polarization Characterization of a Multi-Moded Feed Structure","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10741,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10740,"level":3,"code":"TX08.1.1","title":"Detectors and Focal Planes","definition":"Detectors, focal planes and readout integrated circuits provide large-format array technologies that require high quantum efficiency (QE); low noise, high resolution, uniform, and stable response; low power and cost; and high reliability. These technologies include low-noise, high-speed, low-power and radiation hardened readout integrated circuit (ROIC) electronics; superconducting sensors; spectral detectors; polarization-sensitive detectors; radiation-hardened detectors; and micro-Kelvin and sub-Kelvin high sensitivity detectors that cover the spectrum from submillimeter wave (Far-IR) to X-ray.","exampleTechnologies":"Backshort Undergrid bolometer arrays, Mercury Cadmium Telluride and Strained Superlattice Arrays, charge coupled devices, sidecar readout integrated circuits, radiometric calibration and abnormality correction algorithms (e.g. non-uniformity)","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":3,"endTrl":5,"benefits":"
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","description":"The Polarization Characterization of a Multi-Moded Feed Structure projects characterize the polarization response of a multi-moded feed horn as an innovative approach to polarized measurements in the far-infrared. Multi-moded optics provide a significant increase in instrument sensitivity per detector, but the polarization response of such quasi-optical structures is not well understood. We will measure the co-polar and cross-polar beam patterns of a multi-moded feed horn.
A simple, focused investigation will measure the co-polar and cross-polar response of a multi-moded feed. We will fabricate a larger version of a far-IR feed, mount it within the Goddard Electromagnetic Anechoic Chamber (GEMAC), and measure the co-polar and cross-polar response using wire grid polarizers mounted at the source and multi-mode detector.
The polarization response of a multi-moded feed is difficult to model. Geometric optics (ray tracing) yields the response in the high-frequency (short wavelength) limit, but ignores effects of beam diffraction at the edges of the feed. Solution of Maxwell's equations within the feed structure provides an analytic expansion of the response using waveguide theory, but is computationally tractable only in the few-mode (long wavelength) regime. Astrophysical signals in the far-infrared (e.g. the cosmic microwave background) are bright at frequencies near 300 GHz (1 mm wavelength), squarely between the two limits. Diffraction is important at these wavelengths, yet tens to hundreds of electromagnetic modes propagate within the feed structure, making direct calculation extremely difficult. Measurements of a first-generation feed horn demonstrate basic functionalit and provide a simple model to guid future design. Based on the initial results, we plan to design and test a second-generation feed to maximize throughput while minimizing the cross-polar response.
","startYear":2012,"startMonth":10,"endYear":2015,"endMonth":9,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":6495,"canUserEdit":false,"displayOrder":1,"firstName":"Alan","lastName":"Kogut","fullName":"Alan J Kogut","fullNameInverted":"Kogut, Alan J","middleInitial":"J","primaryEmail":"alan.j.kogut@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":373483,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Peter","lastName":"Hughes","fullName":"Peter M Hughes","fullNameInverted":"Hughes, Peter M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"peter.m.hughes@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":441313,"canUserEdit":false,"displayOrder":1,"firstName":"Stanley","lastName":"Hunter","fullName":"Stanley D Hunter","fullNameInverted":"Hunter, Stanley D","middleInitial":"D","primaryEmail":"stanley.d.hunter@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"http://sciences.gsfc.nasa.gov/sed/","libraryItems":[{"files":[],"id":51752,"title":"GSC-16319-1","libraryItemTypeId":762,"projectId":11954,"primary":false,"publishedDateString":"","url":"https://ntts.arc.nasa.gov/app/","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":762,"code":"LINK","description":"Link","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}},{"files":[],"id":51749,"title":"Polarization Properties of a Multi-Moded Feed Horn for the Primordial Inflation Explorer Mission","libraryItemTypeId":762,"projectId":11954,"primary":false,"publishedDateString":"","url":"http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014SPIE.9153E..18K","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":762,"code":"LINK","description":"Link","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}},{"caption":"Prototype feed horn undergoing beam pattern measurements","file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":36912,"fileName":"pixie_feed_in_gemac_3_crop","fileSize":650425,"objectId":51750,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"635.2 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":36912,"fileName":"pixie_feed_in_gemac_3_crop","fileSize":650425,"objectId":51750,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"635.2 KB"}],"id":51750,"title":"Prototype feed horn","description":"Prototype feed horn undergoing beam pattern measurements","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":11954,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":7150,"projectId":11954,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2015-09-01","infusion":"Other","path":"Closed Out","details":"The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges. Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects. Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.
Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding or agree to external partnerships and collaborations. In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.
The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped. The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry and other Government Agencies.
If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help
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IRAD provides"seed funding" to develop concepts, reduce technology risk, and advance human capital and technological capabilities. The program is highly competitive, opportunity-driven, and 100% strategically aligned with NASA's and GSFC's strategic priorities. A significant portion of the program is focused on Early Stage Innovations for high-risk, strategically aligned, potential high-payoff technologies that are longer-term or lower TRL.
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