OPTICAL COATING SOLUTIONS, INC. — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: S1
OPTICAL COATING SOLUTIONS, INC. — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from National Aeronautics and Space Administration in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $124,995. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code S1 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $124,995
- Agency
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- S1
- Solicitation
- SBIR_19_P1
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- ID
- Period
- 2019-08-19 → 2020-02-18
Description
A new UV imaging polarimeter design was demonstrated by Optical Coating Solutions, Inc. (OCS) as a proof-of-concept breadboard in a 2016 Phase I effort (NASA Contract NNX16CA44P). A version of that generic design is proposed for atmospheric studies in a follow-on effort.nbsp;The new polarimeter design can operate to wavelengths as short as 260nm and does not employ electronic or mechanical modulation to measure polarization properties. The advantages overcome the limitations present in current polarimeter designs. Polarimetry of atmospheres to wavelengths shorter than 400 nm will assist in the determination of the distribution vs. altitude of aerosols, size, shape, and absorption properties of the scattering particles, and is useful for separating multiply- and singly-scattering components. Compact in volume, the Passive UV Imaging Polarimeter can be deployed as multiple units aimed to different view angles for simultaneous wide- angle coverage.nbsp;The unique compact architecture is well suited for extended space missions because it satisfies low power and weight budget requirements, has inherently high radiation-tolerant components. In addition, it incorporates a built-in stability monitor with two polarization-references that promotes high polarimetric accuracy. Modifications resulting in prototype model will advance the TRL to 5 or 6.