Near Infrared Photonic Integrated Circuit Spectrometer (PIC)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

The mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range (2.5-5 μm) is of particular interest for remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and surfaces, as this provides considerable information on composition. The current generation of MIR spectrometers are typically large in size, weight and power, limiting their selectability for missions. Our long-term goal is to develop a revolutionary MIR spectrometer based on integrated photonics technology that offers ultra-small size, weight and power with non-moving parts and lower cost for future planetary missions. This proposal will demonstrate a PIC-based, near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer which will prove the technique with available, low-cost hardware and pave the way for a MIR version.

Benefits

This work will demonstrate key technologies with a wide range of potential sensing applications.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2022-10-01
End date	2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
Terry A Hurford — terry.a.hurford@nasa.gov
Mark A Stephen — mark.a.stephen@nasa.gov
Anthony W Yu — anthony.w.yu@nasa.gov
Conor A Nixon — conor.a.nixon@nasa.gov
Michael A Disanti — michael.a.disanti@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.