Integrated Spatial Filter Array, Phase I

To address the NASA Earth Science Division need for spatial filter arrays for amplitude and wavefront control, Luminit proposes to develop a novel polarization-preserving Integrated Spatial Filter Array (iSFA) comprising 36 x 36 waveguides and two microlens arrays in a hexagonal configuration. Each waveguide acts as a polarization maintaining single-mode fiber and is precisely mapped to a pair of input/output lenslets. The 36 x 36 waveguides have identical fast and slow polarization axes and can be mass-fabricated to reduce cost and enhance placement accuracy, uniformity, throughput and reliability. The iSFA will be hermetically packaged in a 1 cubic inch box to withstand high radiation and temperature extremes in space. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of iSFA, which will reduce the development risk of a Phase II 36 x 36 prototype iSFA. The demonstrated results will offer NASA enhanced nulling coronagraph imaging for detection of planets beyond our solar system with the Terrestrial Planet Finder.

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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