Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 19a

Description

Development of miniaturized spectroradiometers for quantifying terrestrial ecosystems with unmanned aerial systems is being sought. Specifically, for routine use as field instrument, the development of miniaturized lightweight, affordable, and durable spectroradiometers with high spatial and spectral resolution over a broad wavelength range (350-2500 nm) is needed for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles. To address this need, a novel high resolution multiband miniature imaging spectroradiometer specifically tailored for unmanned aerial system platforms is proposed, based on an innovative planar spectrometer design that integrates multiple-spectral bands from ultraviolet to infrared (350-2500 nm) allowing high-spectral resolution (<10 nm), high-wavelength accuracy (±1 nm at visible and near infrared, ±2 nm at short-wave infrared)), narrow spectral bandwidth (<4 nm), with wavelength reproducibility 0.1 nm without mechanical scanning. The proposed high spatial resolution monolithic design also allows a minimal spatial footprint and high-mechanical and thermal stability that provide reproducibility, low-power (~10 W) for extended operation time (~30 min), low-weight (~1 kg), and small instrument dimension (6×3×2 in.) compatible with small-to-medium unmanned aerial system platform. Capitalizing on the capabilities of recently available unmanned aerial system platforms with global positioning system and miniature sensors, the proposed system will achieve the required measurement stability and sensor minimum integration time (1-10 ms) to provide high sensitivity with noise equivalent radiance <1.5×10-9 W across the full spectral range. In Phase I, the proposer will conduct feasibility studies and demonstration by developing the system design specifically for unmanned aerial system platforms and analyzing performance based on the readily available components and materials combined with the developed multiband holographic grating technology. Based on the design, representative components will be fabricated and integrated into a demonstration prototype system and tested in the laboratory for its feasibility. We will also work with our collaborator, who will assist in applications and suitability of the multiband spectroradiometer for collection of ecosystem properties and processes of interest to the scientific community, as well as assist with access to field sites and evaluation of technology in real-world environments. To measure the earth’s ecosystem more efficiently, a new high-performance miniature spectral-sensing instrument compatible with small unmanned aerial systems will be developed. The device will reap the economic benefit of inexpensive deployment and maintenance using low-cost unmanned aerial systems. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed technology’s remote sensing capability will benefit agriculture and forestry, national security, drug enforcement, early disaster warning, environmental monitoring, and climate research. The proposed system can significantly improve the multispectral and hyperspectral applications to achieve new levels of accuracy and timeliness. This will improve the nation’s economy, for example, by accelerating and sharpening evaluation of greenhouse effects and alerting to national disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, and floods through the high-altitude remote sensing of greenhouse gas components based on unmanned aerial vehicles and key parameters for weather forecasting.