Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
ShortWave Infrared Focal Plane Technology for Close-Range Active Mineralogy Mapping (SWIFT-CAMM)
Project Description
We propose to develop a Photon-Counting Integrated Circuit (PCIC) detector and focal plane array (FPA) with highest sensitivity, lowest noise and hence highest signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) among all FPAs covering the shortwave infrared band, for incorporation into a prototype imaging spectroscopy CAMM instrument for real-time operation on a planetary surface to guide rover targeting, sample selection (for missions involving sample return), and science optimization of data returned to earth, thus improving science return from instruments used to study the elemental, chemical, and mineralogical composition of planetary materials. During Phase I, we have successfully proven the concept of a limited-size array of PCIC detector pixels as well as the imaging spectrometer CAMM instrument. In Phase II, we will develop and prototype a PCIC focal plane array (FPA) as well as the imaging spectrometer CAMM instrument.
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Anticipated Benefits
The proposed Photon-Counting Integrated Circuit (PCIC) mega-pixel focal plane array (FPA) imager will provide highest sensitivity, lowest noise and hence highest signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) among all imagers covering the shortwave infrared band for a wide range of instruments and missions. The proposed imaging spectroscopy CAMM instrument will improve real-time operation on a planetary surface to guide rover targeting, sample selection (for missions involving sample return), and science optimization of data returned to earth, thus improving science return from instruments used to study the elemental, chemical, and mineralogical composition of planetary materials.
Besides aerospace and defense applications, the proposed sensor technology also finds commercial applications in security, law enforcement, border patrol, scientific instruments, laser detection, laser eye protection, biomedical imaging, prosthetic vision aid, ecosystem monitoring and protection, manufacturing quality control and consumer electronics cameras. We will concentrate on our commercial medical device products at present. More »
Besides aerospace and defense applications, the proposed sensor technology also finds commercial applications in security, law enforcement, border patrol, scientific instruments, laser detection, laser eye protection, biomedical imaging, prosthetic vision aid, ecosystem monitoring and protection, manufacturing quality control and consumer electronics cameras. We will concentrate on our commercial medical device products at present. More »
Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavefront LLC | Lead Organization |
Industry
Minority-Owned Business
|
Houston, Texas |
Langley Research Center
(LaRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
New Jersey
-
Utah
-
Virginia
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