Plasmonic structured color filters for hyperspectral detection

The main task of this proposal is to study plasmonic non-diffractive optical structures that are designed to work as sharp, high quality color filters. Tasks include: I. Model structures/materials are designed to perform well in selected wavelengths, such as optical, NIR, and SWIR-MWIR. II. Develop processes for their production, III. Conduct characterization activities designed to provide refining feedback to modeling efforts IV. Determine the parameters that influence the bandpass width, cutoff sharpness, and absorbance change we can achieve. The next step is to integrate the new technology in the instruments and instrument detectors through other funding opportunities such as SBIR.

The development of plasmonic structures for selective optical filtering and new generation of hyperspectral detectors is in line with NASA mission and goals. The proposed work is needed to explore the potential of non-diffractive optics and discover avenues by which plasmonic filters can operate and be integrated into devices. This request is both timely and opportune as many spectroscopic missions can utilize plasmonic bandpass filtering and the state of the art in both modeling and nanofabrication now enable these devices. The expected return on investment is high since plasmonic devices offer expanded hyperspectral capability and more simply integrated technology at lower cost. The development of reflective or transmissive plasmonic bandpass filters will impact nearly every optical or infrared instrument we fly, such as LUVOIR, next version of L’Ralph, HYSPIRE/JPL and LANDSAT.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.