Non-Mechanical Dual-Mode Beam Control System for LIDARs

The objective of the Phase IIE work is improving performance of the non-mechanical single-aperture beam control systems for landing LiDARs developed during the Phase 2 of the project. Particular attention will be devoted to the wavefront quality of the beams at all diffraction orders, further increase efficiency into main orders while reducing unwanted diffraction orders, reducing or compensating refractive power of cycloidal diffractive waveplates. Those objectives would be achieved by improving coating processes using higher automation levels, utilizing improved materials of higher optical birefringence, improving optical recording technology, both, holographic and direct, and further optimizing device architecture. We will be able to fabricate and deliver novel prototype devices more closely meeting NASA application goals as a result of the Phase IIE work.

High reliability landing LiDARs due to absence of mechanically moving parts, ultralight high efficiency optics and electro-optics for space instrumentation, deep space optical communication, flight control and navigation; Field of View switching with no mechanically moving parts;

LiDARs for self-driving cars, drones and robots; Active and passive imaging; free-space optical communication; High power laser beam control systems; displays, particularly for augmented reality glasses.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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