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High Resolution Broad Band Miniature Integrated Two-Dimensional Spectrometer-Physical Optics Corporation, 20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100, 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: $749,994
Measurement of solar radiation over a wide spectral range is necessary to effectively monitor the earth’s atmosphere. These solar radiation measurements are carried out from balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and require rugged instruments that are both small and lightweight. However, current spectrometers that are capable of high resolution and cover a wide spectral range are bulky, heavy, costly, and sensitive to movement. This project will develop a compact, monolithic (i.e. no moving parts, solid optics), miniature, two-dimensional (2-D) spectrometer, capable of high resolution over the spectral range from the ultraviolet (UV) to the near-infrared (NIR). This unique performance will be achieved by stacking a number of one-dimensional, planar spectrometers to form a 2-D spectrometer array. In Phase I, the 2-D spectrometer was designed, its performance analyzed, and the overall concept verified through experimental demonstrations. The fabrication process, by which the proposed device can be manufactured, was also investigated. In Phase II, a fully operational, stacked, planar, optic, 2-D, spectrometer prototype system, with very high resolution over the broad spectral range from UV-B to NIR and high out-of-band rejection, will be designed and developed. The system will then be tested and evaluated for future Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) missions and commercial applications.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications include miniature spectrometers for spectral analysis and other sensor applications. The low cost, monolithic, miniature, rugged structure of the spectrometer makes it suitable for spectral sensing in field use, hazardous environments and factories, and on small UAVs.