Luminit LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: This proposal addresses the development of a robust, field-worthy oxygen A-band spectromet

Description

This proposal addresses the development of a robust, field-worthy oxygen A-band spectrometer capable of accurately measuring the first three moments of the photon path-length distribution. Because DOE is planning a wide distribution of this type of spectrometer in support of its observational climate science mission for its Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program, a new approach is needed to reduce the cost. The company is developing a new Holographic A-band Multi-channel substrate guided wave-based spectrometer based on unique holographic technology. This Phase II spectrometer will consist of a monolithic optical dispersing/imaging element and a linear image sensor array. The optical element will provide moderate-to-high resolution, high environmental stability, and high light throughput in a compact and cost efficient device. In Phase II, a system will be designed and optimized for the capture of A-band spectra images with highly-efficient, low-noise, low-cost holographic dispersive/imaging elements at optimized geometry, a low-noise high sensitive linear image sensor array, and electronics that include embedded software. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed technology will be of immense benefit in government and commercial applications enabling low-cost miniature spectrometers with dispersing/imaging elements that are easily manufactured via an optical contact copying technique. The key benefits of the proposed holographic technology is that it will reduce significantly the overall cost of manufacturing A-band spectrometry systems, compared to bulky state-of-the-art spectrometers. This development not only advances instrumentation for atmospheric measurements in the public domain and industry, but is proven for use in solar concentrators, helmet mounted displays and eye-trackers. With the introduction of this high precision, robust, and stable device, global warming experiments can be conducted more effectively. This technology will also advance optical tomography for remote sensing of the atmosphere and near-Earth space, robot vision, and intrusion alarms.