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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
This IRAD seeks to supplement a project with external colleagues at Harvard University to develop a next-generation polarimeter based on metasurface technology. The GSFC team is tasked with performing exploratory modeling of the information content of circular polarization, to date ignored in Earth Science remote sensing applications, as well as developing observational concepts and strategies for space-based, airborne, and ground-based missions and deployments. This IRAD will enable expanded forward radiative transfer efforts and GSFC civil servant participation in the instrument concept formulation.
Maintaining a strong partnership with our external partners at Harvard on this metasurface technology is of strategic interest to GSFC. It positions the center with a small, low cost, low risk, next-generation polarimeter technology that is deployable in a wide range of observational settings, including spaceborne (cubesats/smallsats, etc.), airborne (traditional aircraft, UAVs), and ground-based (add-on to existing capabilities, e.g., AERONET, etc.). Furthermore, continuing forward model support also positions the center with state-of-the-art atmospheric radiative transfer capabilities that can be leveraged by other projects/missions including PACE and AOS.
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