← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Ultra-Thin Folded Optics Microscope for NASA Pop-Up Robots
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Description
Implementing a folded optics microscope using a 5 mm thick folded optics assembly is a novel capability. The miniaturized packaging enables a space and mass constrained mission to carry a microscope. The microscopes created by this effort will be used as the primary science instrument on one such project, JPL�s PUFFER. Successful fabrication, integration, and field demonstration of the microscope capability on the PUFFER robot platforms will be achieved through a series of project activities and milestone deliverables throughout the project.
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Manufacturing > Electronics and Optics Manufacturing Processes |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Distant Focus Corporation, Champaign, IL |
| Start date | 2015-12-01 |
| End date | 2017-03-01 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.