Chip-scale THz Spectrometer

We propose to revolutionize the field of frequency-domain terahertz (THz) spectrometers by developing ~2 cm3 wide-band spectrometer with improved frequency accuracy, resolution and stability. Integration will also provide significant SWaP-C advantage compared to present solution allowing deployment in small spacecraft platforms and other applications where low SWaP is crucial. Compared to presently available frequency-domain THz spectrometers, we expect significant improvements as follows: > 10x weight reduction > 500x size reduction > 5x cost reduction > 1000x frequency accuracy improvement > 10x frequency resolution improvement Guaranteed long-term stability with built-in calibration until end-of-life (EOL)

The T8.02 Photonic Integrated Circuits topic specifically calls for integrated photonic sensors that include as example: Terahertz spectrometer. We propose to revolutionize the field of frequency-domain THz spectrometers by developing ~2 cm3 chip-scale spectrometer. The core of the spectrometer is a stable THz signal generator. Said generator is a crosscutting technology that can be used in mm-wave or THz communication systems as well as in sensing application as the envisioned THz spectrometer.

Terahertz spectroscopy can be used, among other things, for: explosive detection, narcotics detection, pharmaceutical quality control and tissue classification. This makes it very interesting for many government agencies such as DoD, DHS, EPA and HHS. With SWaP-C improvements, we can expect such sensors to be more widely deployed. In terms of non-government markets, the pharmaceutical industry could be one of the early adopters of said technology.

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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