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A Lightweight Compact Multi-Spectral Imager Using Novel Computer-Generated Micro-Optics and Spectral-Extraction Algorithms

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

The objective of this NASA Early-stage research proposal is to demonstrate an ultra-compact, lightweight broadband hyper- and multi-spectral imaging system that is capable of (1) detecting near-Earth objects (NEOs), (2) determining the size of NEOs, (3) determining the rotational characteristics of NEOs and (4) characterizing the material composition and thereby, determining the mass of NEOs. We achieve these goals by utilizing a novel broadband diffractive-optic to disperse incident light, collecting the dispersed image, and then by using new algorithms to reconstruct the incident unknown spectrum.

Benefits

The objective of this NASA Early-stage research proposal is to demonstrate an ultra-compact, lightweight broadband hyper- and multi-spectral imaging system that is capable of (1) detecting near-Earth objects (NEOs), (2) determining the size of NEOs, (3) determining the rotational characteristics of NEOs and (4) characterizing the material composition and thereby, determining the mass of NEOs. We achieve these goals by utilizing a novel broadband diffractive-optic to disperse incident light, collecting the dispersed image, and then by using new algorithms to reconstruct the incident unknown spectrum.

Details

Technology areaSensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationUniversity of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Start date2013-11-01
End date2018-06-30

Project contacts

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