Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF
MEMS Shutter for Spectrometer Calibration Project
Project Description
Dark field subtraction is a significant problem for all spaceborne spectrometer systems. An in-situ spectrometer relying on sunlight must either wait for night to collect dark frames, or must include a bulky mechanical shutter. To avoid bulky and power-hungry shutters, we propose to develop a MEMS shutter that is expected to have 2-3 g mass and consume We shall develop a MEMS shutter that is expected to have 2-3 g mass and consumeThis research will demonstrate fabrication of a low mass (~2-3 grams), low power (<1 milliWatts), MEMS shutter. This technology will enable new in-situ and remote sensing imaging spectrometer instruments that were previously not feasible due to the mass, power, and reliability issues related to mechanical shutters or the calibration challenges posed by instruments without active dark frame measurement capability.
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Anticipated Benefits
This shutter can be expected to become a standard feature in all spectrometers where mass, power, and reliability are a concern. All such systems will want to take advantage if it becomes available. Potential instruments and missions include Mars rovers and orbiters, asteroid missions, Europa, as well as Earth-orbiting and airborne spectrometers.
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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California
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.