Optical Technology for Exoplanet Characterization

The goal of this research is to advance optical technology for exoplanet direct imaging space telescopes. This includes building an optical model of the Deformable Mirror (DeMi) CubeSat payload and validating the model through lab testing. The DeMi payload will advance adaptive optics technology by characterizing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) deformable mirror’s performance in the space environment, and this research will prepare the DeMi team to understand the results of on-orbit testing. This project will provide valuable on-orbit data to demonstrate a key technology for future exoplanet imaging missions. After this in-flight demonstration of key technology for exoplanet coronography, this research will focus on science instrument technology development, specifically spectrograph design and analysis. We will investigate how new optical and photonic technologies can be applied to save size, weight, and power for these systems. Atmospheric models for extrasolar giant planets will be developed and used to understand the requirements for spectrographs for atmospheric characterization and assess the science return of the proposed instruments.

This technology will enable advances in the discovery and characterization of earth-like exoplanets.

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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