Portable flow inferencing device using Fourier Ptychography and Deep Learning for detection of biosignatures

With the searching for life and habitability as a high-priority science goals, the detection of life should not rely on a singular measurement, and ideally techniques should be capable of distinguishing between abiosignatures, ambiguous or agnostic biosignatures. Measurements from different instruments on a variety of spatial scales should be used to provide sufficient evidence. The proposed Fourier Ptychographic Microscope with its small size and mass will integrate neatly into a time resolved Raman and fluorescence spectrometer. The proposed work will demonstrate a proof-of-concept instrument with near real-time deep learning (DL) inference; (ii) implement FPM algorithm(s) for high spatial band-width product (SBP) for sample screening on quantitative intensity, 3D phase, and fluorescent imaging (all of these are important for biosignature detection); and (iii) implement DL based method for auto-focusing if needed.

In-situ microscopy for future lander and rover mission e.g., to Mars (brine studies), Europa (melted ice samples), Enceladus (plume capture), and other Ocean World targets

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.

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