Remote UV Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometer

In-situ studies of the rocks, minerals, and soil on the Moon's surface provide a wealth of information during field geology and the mining phase for planetary resource identification. Sensitive optical spectroscopic instruments such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometers coupled with UV fluorescence spectroscopy is vital for lunar science. Many moon rock samples contain mineral oxides in the forms of Al2O3, TiO2, FeO, MnO, MgO, Cr2O3, Na2O and CaO. Further tests have shown that some of them exhibit fluorescence when exposed to UV light. Traditional UV fluorescence spectroscopy used in analysis of organic and inorganic materials utilizes power hungry, bulky lasers. Recently introduced UV-LED and semiconductor UV lasers with powers > 10 mW are small, reliable, and power efficient making them ideal for use in space exploration. Redondo Optics Inc, a world leader in design and development of fluorescent scientific instruments, proposes to develop a highly innovative and sensitive, light-weight, hand-held space qualified frequency domain fluorescence lifetime measurement system for NASA using heterodyne cross correlation technique. The instrument also includes an ultra miniature 340-780 nm spectrophotometer. The combined spectrometer utilizes lowest power COTS electronics components for fast and accurate estimation of fluorescence lifetimes to identify the rocks spectral signature.

ROI's portable, and power efficient, UV Fluorescence Spectrometer can be used as an in situ or short distance remote monitoring of Fluorescent lifetimes measurements, and extraction of spectral signatures of many organic and non-organic materials including minerals. as well as many organic ( biological ) agents that fluoresce when exposed to UV light sources in the Short to Long UV wavelength ranges. This measurement system can be easily adapted to a fluorescence life time imaging system by adding a CCD for rapid two dimensional lifetime measurement and monitoring system including applications specific software for various imaging as well as non imaging applications The technology developed can be adapted to biological (Proteins, skin tissue), chemical, and petro- chemical identification systems. Many biological agents including airborne bio-aerosals have spectral signature when excited with UV light. Petroleum based products and Hydrocarbons including Methane and SO2 etc can also be identified using this instrument. NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.

Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI), proposes to develop, demonstrate, and deliver to NASA an innovative , portable, power efficient UV Fluorescence Spectrometer for in situ mineral identification by combing Spectral signatures and time resolved lifetimes of fluorescent agents in Lunar rocks. This is the process of Fluorescence spectroscopy. In order to meet NASA's stringent requirements, the unit needs to be lightweight, power efficient, and space qualified UV Fluorescence Spectrometer for lunar surface studies of rocks and minerals to uniquely identify fluorescent agents and metal oxides. Many of the minerals containing metal oxides exhibit fluorescence in the visible spectrum once illuminated with an high power UV source (both short and long UV). The analysis and classification of the various mineral species and rocks on the surface of the Moon is a key enabler during planetary field geology and subsequent mining operations for resources identification during manned and robotics explorations

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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