One-Dimensional Tunable Photonic-Crystal IR Filter, Phase I

MetroLaser proposes to design and develop an innovative narrowband tunable IR filter based on the properties of a one-dimensional photonic crystal structure with a resonant cavity. Such a structure can exhibit an ultra-narrow, high-throughput band in the middle of a wide low-transmission stop-band. During Phase I, we will demonstrate experimentally the proof-of-concept for the proposed filter with sub-angstrom bandpass and a tuning range of at least 10 cm-1 in the spectral region around 10 um. We will complete modeling of the functional characteristics, based on the specific features of photonic crystal structures with a resonant cavity, and develop a strategy for building a prototype of the instrument. Fine-tuning of the filter will be accomplished by varying the optical cavity length. The proposed filter is expected to have an acceptance angle of at least 1 degree and an aperture of about 1 inch. During Phase II, the compact prototype module will be demonstrated with an expected tunability range of 10 cm-1 and a bandpass range of 0.1 cm-1. A compact, rugged, monolithic filter architecture will allow this instrument to be incorporated in air- or space-based platforms and provide stable performance in harsh operating environments.

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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