Optical System for Atmospheric Particle Measurement

To measure the broad size range of 0.1 micron to 200 micron, we propose an optical instrument that combines two techniques: Forward scattering light intensity (FSLI) and digital holography (DH). FSLI will provide the size and concentration of particles in the 0.1 to 5 micron range while DH will provide the size, concentration and shape of particles larger than 5 micron. Accurate measurements with FSLI rely on precisely knowing the intensity of the illumination beam at the position of the particle. An innovative fiber optic bundle will select for measurement the particles that cross the very center of the illumination beam where the intensity is uniform and known. The proposed DH strategy will employ small CCD with fast data transfer to enable continued scanning of the atmosphere over many meters or even hundreds of meters. Both technologies will employ small, low power components making them suitable for UAV operation. The Phase I work will include modeling and experimental demonstrations culminating with the conceptual design of a field prototype system.

Applications include the characterization of particles in the Earth atmosphere as well as environmental sensing of planetary and lunar missions. Other NASA applications include characterizing liquid water content in icing facilities, and measuring fuel spray distributions associated with gas turbines and other propulsion systems.

Commercial applications include measuring bioaerosols (e.g. pollen, molds), characterizing droplet size and concentration in agricultural sprays, fire sprinklers, ink jet printers, diesel injectors, and numerous food processes. Military applications include vertical takeoff aircraft inlet protection and ground base vehicle dust detection (e.g., tanks).

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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