Flat-field Automated Ultraviolet Exploration Microscope

For this Phase II-E project, Leiden Measurement Technology (LMT) will advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of NASA's Luminescence Imager for Exploration (LIfE) microscope (led by Dr. Richard Quinn of NASA Ames Research Center (ARC)) and infuse it with technology developed for FAVUE. The LIfE microscope is designed for the detection of microbial life on Ocean Worlds. As such, the LIfE microscope meets the requirements for life-detection as prescribed by the Europa Lander Science Definition Team Report and the Orbilander Mission Concept which has been identified in the most recent NASA decadal survey as the second-highest priority flagship mission for NASA to pursue. The LIfE optical microscope subsystem exists at relatively high TRL, having passed shock and vibe testing. Some of the components and technology developed in the FAUVE Phase II SBIR project offer better performance than those used in LIfE and infusing that technology into LIfE will improve it by ultimately simplifying its concept of operations (CONOPS) and reducing the total data required for processing and analysis. These benefits are very important for distant Ocean Worlds missions where data transfer rates are very limited. The FAUVE technologies we will infuse into LIfE include a custom flat-field deep ultraviolet-visible microscope objective, software autofocus routines, and an improved dichroic slide assembly. We will also advance the TRL of the optical subsystem by upgrading to rad-hard optical elements, performing thermal modelling/testing/evaluation of the microscope, replacing materials and components not suited for high-radiation and space environments, and modifying LIfE's design to fit into a pressure vessel and interface with LIfE's sample handling and electronics subsystems.

The LIfE microscope directly addresses life-search/detection goals outlined in NASA Science Mission Directorate's "Science 2020-2024: A Vision for Scientific Excellence." It provides an enabling technology for flyby, orbital, and landed missions that is specifically designed with the capability to identify and characterize structural, compositional, and functional indicators of life. In particular, LIfE meets the requirements for the OrbiLander and Europa Lander mission concepts.

DUV-VIS fluorescence and transmission microscopy is a very useful tool for life science and medical research, particularly in the fields of histology and cell biology. It's also be highly useful for chemical-quantification of liquid samples by using functionalized spectrally-encoded microspheres and for surface inspections. Advancing FAUVE TRL also opens up commercial space opportunities.

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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