A Miniaturized and Robust FTS Sensor, Phase I

Vescent Photonics details a miniaturized and robust Fourier transform spectrometer(FTS) for in-situ chemical and spectral analysis. Phase I research will focus on innovative electro-optic technology that enables moving mirror replacement. A successful phase I effort will pave the way for a phase II chemical sensor prototype. The attributes of this sensor: i) small size, comparable to a book of matches, ii) low mass, only tens of grams, iii) small energy consumption, < .001 Watt-hours per measurement, iv) high sensitivity, detectable chemical densities < 10^13 per cc, and v) robust monolithic construction, are aptly suited for future NASA missions. Such a sensor could be integrated and deployed with a variety of exploration platforms. A single device would provide identification and quantification of multiple compounds (e.g., biogenically important CH4, NOx, H2O, CO, etc.).

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.