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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
In this proposal we plan to develop a 4.75 THz receiver that is low SWaP to target brightest emission atomic oxygen [OI] line in the terrestrial thermosphere that can be used to measure thermospheric winds, temperature, and atomic oxygen density [Wu et al., 2016], which is critically needed for space weather prediction and thermosphere-ionosphere coupling in heliophysics research.
This approach will provide the ability to integrate multiple pixel receivers without requiring additional LO sources with broadband capability to accurately measure the emission lines, addressing technology gap for Astrophysics' Cosmic Origins (COR) strategic missions.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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