Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Technology for Miniature & Complex-Form Integrated Opto-Mechanical Structures for Sensors Payloads, Phase I
Project Introduction
We propose to demonstrate ultra precision manufacturing of components for NASA payloads, specifically for electro-optical and infrared sensors that are used in Earth, atmosphere, oceans, and planetary missions. We will integrate the optical and mechanical element and form lighter, more efficient sensor components, capable of replacing traditional multi-element higher weight and more expensive optics. The ability to take advantage of new manufacturing capabilities including micro and nano fabrication, with surface quality in the sub micrometer, and advanced metrology, allows us to develop more efficient sensor payloads, that will result is smaller, lighter less expensive EO and IR sensor payloads. We have selected to manufacture one specific optical system for Phase-I that will demonstrate the concept and increase confidence in the process. In Phase-II we will fabricate additional optical elements. Together with the Phase-I optical system, these element will be assembled into a complete sensor system and the sensor performance will be characterized and compared with present NASA technology in terms of overall optical efficiency (that affects sensor sensitivity, & SNR performance) as well as size, weight, and cost. If successful, these optical components can be introduced into future NASA mission planning.
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Anticipated Benefits
OKSI manufactures and markets the HyperScan family and the 4-Dimensional Imaging Spectrometer, or 4DIS, line of sensors. These sensors are utilized at various universities, manufacturing, and agriculture and growers firms, as well as other government agencies including DoD, DoE, USDA, NIST. Producing higher efficiency, lower cost sensors will expand the market penetration of the products. These sensors are quite expensive and often are limited by low lighting level that produces low SNR. Similarly the sensitivity, or detection threshold, of the sensors may limit their use. The proposed manufacturing technology has the ability to improve all aspect of the sensors and therefore increase their applicability within the same markets as they are currently in use, as well as expanding the markets to newer applications. NASA has extensive interest in hyperspectral imaging for airborne (AVIRIS), spaceborne Earth observing (HyspIRI), Lunar (Moon Mineral Mapper) and planetary (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars) sensors. Such sensors can take advantage of the performance improvements offered by more compact and high-performance components to be developed under the proposed investigation. In addition, the technology will support other Earth Science (Airborne, Biosphere, Atmosphere), Space Science (Astrophysics, Planetary), Exploration Technology and Nanotechnology missions.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) | Lead Organization | Industry | Torrance, California |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI)
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Sep 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX05 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TX05.1 Optical Communications
- TX05.1.6 Optimetrics
Target Destination
Earth
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