Metalens Origami Deployable Lidar Telescope (MODeL)

Our team, responding to the ACT request for "deployable telescope technologies that specifically use flat lens technologies for lidars," [A.46] will develop a segmented, deployable telescope prototype based on metalens technology, foldable, origami-inspired mechanical packaging and active optical aberration correction to enable small-sat implementation of large aperture optical instruments. Our flat lens technology is based on another ACT-requested technology – metasurfaces, enabling unprecedented optical performance in a small, lightweight package. This telescope will increase performance and reduce size, weight and power (SWaP), to "enable or dramatically enhance Earth observation remote sensing measurements in new, innovative ways." [A.46] We propose to demonstrate the technology for a lidar application because the overall telescope requirements are somewhat relaxed compared to many imaging applications. Deployable lidar telescopes can benefit seven of the 2017 Earth Science Decadal Survey Explorer and Incubation Targeted Observables that can be addressed with Lidar - Greenhouse gases, Ice elevation, Snow Depth and Snow Water Equivalent, Terrestrial Ecosystem Structure, Atmospheric Winds, Planetary Boundary Layer, Surface Topography and Vegetation. Our team will mature deployable telescope technology in time to be considered for mission concepts in the late 2020s and beyond. A key goal of the ACT call is to "reduce the size, weight, power requirements, … and cost of Earth science remote sensing observation systems." [A.46] A fundamental limitation in the trend toward smaller optical instrumentation and spacecraft is volume availability for collection apertures. A certain power-aperture product is required to obtain adequate signal for lidar (and many other) measurements. The amount of light that can be collected is a function of collection area, so a 2× increase in telescope diameter yields a 4× increase in light collection. Unfortunately, the volume required for traditional telescopes roughly scales as the cube of the collection diameter, so a 2× increase in diameter yields an 8× increase in volume. Our team's disruptive deployable telescope technology is therefore mission-enabling because it yields large-satellite performance with small-satellite cost by increasing aperture while shrinking the launch volume and decreasing the required laser power. Our team proposes Meta-optic lens elements grown on silica wafers, mounted in thin frames that fold up in origami-inspired collapsible structures and deploy in a large flat aperture, enabling Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)-class science Lidar instruments from low-Earth orbit (LEO). Meta-optics allow thin, flat, very lightweight optics to perform the same function as much larger and more expensive shaped counterparts like lenses and mirrors. Flat, transmissive lens-type optics are also more tolerant to mechanical distortions because the light deflection is not based on surface shape. Our team is uniquely qualified to successfully complete the work proposed. GSFC is a world leader in space-based lidar systems with expertise in the design, analysis, manufacture, integration, test, delivery and operation of satellite-born lidars and optics. Penn State University is a pioneer in meta-optics development and recently set a record for aperture-size in optical metalenses. Brigham Young University is a leader in the design and analysis of space-based compliant mechanisms and origami-inspired structures. MMA Design brings innovative concepts and proven devices in space-based deployed structures and control systems. Together this team has the capabilities, facilities and expertise to successfully complete the proposed research effort. We propose a three-year effort to take the deployable telescope from a TRL-2 concept to a TRL-4 prototype demonstrating the critical performance requirements and the deployment function.

Accelerate mission development and reduce risk by developing critical components and subsystems for advanced instruments and observing systems

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.