MEMS Shutter for Spectrometer Calibration Project

Dark field subtraction is a significant problem for all spaceborne spectrometer systems. An in-situ spectrometer relying on sunlight must either wait for night to collect dark frames, or must include a bulky mechanical shutter. To avoid bulky and power-hungry shutters, we propose to develop a MEMS shutter that is expected to have 2-3 g mass and consume We shall develop a MEMS shutter that is expected to have 2-3 g mass and consumeThis research will demonstrate fabrication of a low mass (~2-3 grams), low power (<1 milliWatts), MEMS shutter. This technology will enable new in-situ and remote sensing imaging spectrometer instruments that were previously not feasible due to the mass, power, and reliability issues related to mechanical shutters or the calibration challenges posed by instruments without active dark frame measurement capability.

This shutter can be expected to become a standard feature in all spectrometers where mass, power, and reliability are a concern. All such systems will want to take advantage if it becomes available. Potential instruments and missions include Mars rovers and orbiters, asteroid missions, Europa, as well as Earth-orbiting and airborne spectrometers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.