Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter-Based Polarimetric Spectral Sensor With Progressive Algorithm For Material Analysis and Mapping

There are a number of potential NASA applications for spectropolarimetric imaging: Material Databasing. As more and more missions are undertaken involving landers, diverse and accurate databases of the spectral and polarimetric characteristics of various materials will be needed to quickly and accurately identify surface solid, liquid and gaseous materials Structural Validation. The spectral and polarimetric data obtained via 2-dimensional spectropolarimetric imaging can be used to view warping, small fractures and other deficiencies/issues that may occur in the structure of space based mission equipment. Various Missions. 1) In situ, non-destructive analysis of dust and icy surfaces. 2) Identification of organics. 3) Atmospheric radiometry 4) Rheology. Combustion Spectroscopy. The 2-dimensional nature of AOTF based hyperspectral imaging allows for area spectral data collection during combustion events. Non-destructive testing of space compliant parts. Spectropolarimetric imaging allows for the non contact, non destructive analysis of the surface of components. Qualification of time-sensative materials in space. Data models will allow the qualification of time sensitive consumable items in space. For instance, the potency of pharmaceuticals.

The spectropolarimetric system resulting from this work will primarily be important in anomaly detection, countermine research, and camouflage concealment and detection, and identification and discrimination of friend vs foe using taggants in military applications. Furthermore, such a fast system will have varied applications in atmospheric monitoring. Moreover, the instrumentation that will result from the proposed program will be immensely valuable for on-line process and feedback control and R&D in a wide variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pulp and paper, biotechnology. Atmospherics. This device can help to facilitate the objectives of the Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) and the Earth Observing System (EOS). Chemical. For the identification of materials, blending / batching verification and reaction monitoring; Thin-Film. For bulk inspection of the consistency and quality of thin film manufacturing Pharmaceutical. For bulk inspection of capsules and tablets, chemical verification and purity testing; Food & Dairy. For monitoring of moisture, fat and protein content; Pulp & Paper – for monitoring of moisture, cellulose, and lignin prior to harvesting; Mining. For the examination of mineralogy parameters, mineral mapping and soil sampling. Aircraft. For the identification and location of surface stress and fractures in aircraft hull. More »