Hyperspectral imaging on photonic-integrated-circuits for future GeoCARB missions

We propose to pursue very compact and integrated hyperspectral imagers for future NASA GeoCARB missions covering 0.76, 1.61, 2.06, and 2.32 micron wavelength bands to achieve observation of the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide and solar-induced fluorescence of the earth at extremely high sensitivity and high spectral resolutions while occupying extremely small size, weight, and power (SWaP). The proposed hyperspectral imagers utilize 3D photonic integrated circuits consisting of strongly dispersive photonic components to spectrally resolve the greenhouse gas lines while offering high spatial resolution supported by wafer-scale baselines. Extremely sensitive avalanche photodetector (APD) arrays achieve detection at low light levels, thanks to the internal photomultiplication gain available within the photodetector elements. In addition, we will introduce innovative compressive imaging techniques to achieve high-resolution hyperspectral imaging in the spectral and spatial domains utilizing very compact standard 2D readout circuits, realizing 100x reduction in both the number of detector pixels and the amount of data transmission. NASA's currently planned GeoCARB missions utilize Lockheed Martin's Tropospheric Infrared Mapping Spectrometers (TIMS) consisting of relatively large bulk optics, while the proposed hyperspectral imaging exploits 3D photonic integrated circuits with APD arrays for compressive imaging of simultaneous spectral and spatial imaging. The proposed project aims at realizing the new compressive hyperspectral imaging subsystem with 100x-1000x reduction in SWaP, 100x-1000x reduction in measurement time, and 100x less amount of data transfer communications compared to the specifications of the currently planned NASA GeoCARB mission using TIMS.

Accelerate mission development and reduce risk by developing critical components and subsystems for advanced instruments and observing systems

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.