Hyperspectral Microscope for the Detection of Life

Leiden Measurement Technology LLC proposes to design and construct the HYMDOL: a high-resolution, compact microscope utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) digital micromirror device (DMD) to enable hyperspectral Raman and/or fluorescence microimaging with micron to sub-micron resolution (determined by the microscope objective used). HYMDOL will be designed as a rugged, compact instrument, suitable for missiondeployments on icy worlds where it could be used for life-detection and mineralogy studies. This technology seeks to replacetraditional laser-scanning confocal microscopy as it has the advantage of being able to take traditional full-frame images of a sampleusing both coherent and incoherent light sources without the need for a second condenser, enabling temporally-resolved imaging andfast, triage imaging capabilities; operates on significantly lower power; and is inherently robust ( DMDs are immune to more than 1500g shock, 20 g vibration). The main objectives are to build from the successful Phase I work to (1) optimize the optical and optomechanical design of all subsystems of the microscope; (2) manufacture those designs; (3) integrate all subsystems to create a hyperspectral DMD-based imaging microscope suitable for life-detection missions and other applications. Leiden Measurement Technology, LLC proposes to refine the design of and construct HYMDOL: a high-resolution, compact microscope utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) digital micromirror device(DMD) to enable hyperspectral Raman and/or fluorescence microimaging with micron to sub-micron resolution. HYMDOL will be designed as a rugged, compact instrument, suitable for mission deployments on icy worlds where it could be used for life-detection and mineralogy studies. This technology seeks to replace traditional laser-scanning confocal microscopy as it has the advantage of being able to take traditional full-frame images of a sample using both coherent and incoherent light sources without the need for a second condenser, enabling temporally-resolved imaging and fast, triage imaging capabilities; operates on significantly lower power; and is inherently robust ( DMDs are immune to more than 1500 g shock, 20 g vibration).   The Phase II objectives were chosen to lead to the optimized design and construction of HYMDOL. They are 1) Design and fabricate the optical system; 2) Design and fabricate the optomechanical system; 3) Design and fabricate the electronics system; 4) Design and manufacture the mechanical mounting structures; 5) Design software to interface with and operate HYMDOL; 6) Assemble, verify, and validate the complete HYMDOL microscope. To meet Objectives 1 and 2, LMT will be working with highly-regarded, seasoned optical and optomechanical consultants who have extensive experience working with the DMDs we have selected. Combining this expertise with LMT's expertise in developing compact microscopes and fluorescence systems, we anticipate that the resulting optical design will be highly efficient, ruggedized, and compact. To develop the DUV-compatible DMD arrays, LMT will work with AM Fitzgerald and Associates, a renowned leader in MEMs design and fabrication.  At the end of the 24-month Phase II project, LMT will deliver a fully-working hyperspectral microscope, suitable for field deployments and flight development.

HYMDOL will have many potential NASA applications, especially as a highly-capable life-detection instrument on icy worlds. With its ability to perform down to sub-micron Raman/fluorescence hyperspectral imaging, HYMDOL will be able to identify materials, especially biomarkers, at a scale relevant to microorganisms and life-detection. HYMDOL could also be used as a mineralogical microscope or even on the space station to study biological processes. There are many non-NASA applications for HYMDOL, including characterizing graphene/CNT materials and pharmaceuticals; performing forensics studies; studying mineral (micro-)structures and other geologic applications; studying geomicrobiological systems; micro 3D printing; performing medical diagnostics of tissue samples; and working with novel bead-based solid phase suspension arrays.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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