High Resolution Broad Band Miniature Integrated Two-Dimensional Spectrometer--Physical Optics Corporation, 20600 Gramercy Place, Suite 103, Torrance, CA 90501-1821; (310) 320-3088
Dr. Tin M. Aye, Principal Investigator
Mr. Gordon Drew, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82635
Amount: $74,994

Measurement of solar radiation over a wide spectral range is necessary to effectively monitor the earth's atmosphere. Solar radiation measurements are carried out with balloons or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which require rugged instruments that are small and lightweight. However, current spectrometers capable of high spectral resolution covering a wide spectral range are bulky, heavy, sensitive to movement, and costly. To address this problem, this project will develop a compact, monolithic (no moving part, solid optics) miniature 2-D spectrometer capable of high spectral resolution from the ultraviolet to the near infrared. This unique performance will be achieved by stacking a large number of one-dimensional planar spectrometers to form a 2-D array. In Phase I the 2-D spectrometer will be designed, its performance analyzed, and the concept will be verified by experimental demonstrations. Fabrication processes necessary to develop the 2-D device will be investigated, and its feasibility will be analyzed in terms of potential commercial applications.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications include miniature spectrometers for spectral analysis and sensor applications, for OEM as well as stand-alone instruments. The low cost and monolithic miniature rugged structure should make it suitable for spectral sensing in hazardous environments and factories as well as on UAVs and microsatellites.