Photonic Integrated Raman Spectrometer (PIRS)

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) will develop a Photonic Integrated Raman Spectrometer (PIRS) for low-SWaP spectroscopy applications. PSI and GT will use a silicon nitride photonics platform to develop a dual-stage spectrometer that enables simultaneous high bandwidth and high resolution spectroscopy with direct readout. The overall form factor of the spectrometer will be less than a square centimeter while retaining spectral resolution of better than 0.2 nm. PIRS will feature an integrated pump rejection filter for Raman spectroscopy, and provide an upgrade path to integrated light sources and detectors. PIRS will be fabricated with a scalable process, enabling NASA-fieldable devices in the near-term, while ensuring that costs are manageable.

The technology developed within this program can find application for material characterization in landing vehicles, plume sampling craft, and satellite-based scientific sensors. Specific missions that would benefit from PIRS include Goddard’s Ocean Worlds Science Exploration and Analogs (OSEAN) and the Mars Exploration Rover.

The on-chip spectrometer developed within this program is a key component for low size, weight, and power spectroscopy applications including fluorescence, absorption, and Raman spectroscopy. These devices will form key components of ultra-compact chemical sensors capable of detecting biomolecules and hazardous chemical agents.

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.

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