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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Use a small 532 nm pulsed laser with a 0.1 mJ/pulse energy operating at 1 kHz. Use a ultra-compact spectrometer with 1-inch collection optics and working distance of several centimeters. Perform Raman spectroscopy from a miniature device and allow investigation of mineralogy, biology, fluorescent trace elements, and biological materials with a very high resolution objective (a laser spot size 10 µm x 5 mm). Advance this instrument from basic research to laboratory demonstration for future Astronaut's health monitoring in space, Europa lander mission, Mars Sample Return, Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return, and other planetary bodies
Benefit to NASA Planetary science missions. One of the goals for this program is to search for evidence of life on planetary bodies.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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