NNX17AD30G

Objectives and Benefits:
We propose to develop and test a tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (TULIPSS) for future implementation on UAV airborne and orbiting platforms. The proposed system, when fully operational, will be able to perform a wide variety of Earth remote sensing observations. Here, we focus on the development of a high fidelity functional prototype to be flight-tested on an aerial platform by the end of the funded period.

TULIPSS will be capable of acquiring instantaneous images across the visible and near-IR with a flexible spatial/spectral resolution tradespace. This is accomplished using custom-adaptable fiber optic image processing bundles whose input is in the form of a densely packed coherent waveguide. The optical output from each waveguide or line of waveguides can be flexibly designated as spatial or spectral, enabling a wide variety of observational configurations.

Thus, the system's innovative aspect is the controlled repositioning of pixels between the input and output of waveguide coherent structures, allowing efficient multi-dimensional (X, Y) snapshot imaging and operational flexibility. This flexibility enables a range of spatial/spectral configurations (e.g. specific sub-bands around target lines, prioritization of spatial or spectral resolution, etc.) to satisfy specific observational goals.

Additionally, TULIPSS is low resource (mass, volume, power) but highly capable. The ability to collect data across an entire scene in a single exposure makes TULIPSS uniquely suited to a range of Earth science applications, including the ability to record transient surface and atmospheric phenomena and to provide multiple views through an atmospheric column for tomographic studies.

As proposed, TULIPSS will allow:
A) Snapshot hyperspectral image acquisition and high light collection efficiency
B) Tunable adjustment of spatial and spectral resolution and flexible selection of target wavelengths
C) Spectral coverage across relevant wavelengths from 400nm-1000nm
D) Easy exchange of image sensors, allowing different camera formats and sensitivities
E) Flexibility in development of the number of input/output fiber bundles

Proposed Work and Methodology:
The main project objectives include:
- Development of high-resolution fiber optic bundle components and advancement of fiber bundle technology
- Development of an automatic spectral/spatial resolution tuning mechanism
- Development of automatic calibration and control routines
- System integration for vis-NIR imaging range
- Testing in airborne environment

The basic principle of the spatial/spectral image processing methodology proposed here is the coupling of fore optics to a light-guide image processor (LIP) that distributes the incoming photons to a sensor array in a flexible application-specific manner, describing spatial and spectral information. In this project, we will develop a system capable of automatic adjustment of sampling.

Three main configurations will include 400x330x30 to 250x210x80 and 150x125x250 cube size, where the numbers denote the ranges in the two spatial and one spectral dimensions. The camera used to assemble the system will be PCO EDGE 5.5, capable of recording relevant signals in the 400-1000nm range. TULIPSS will allow selection of the sub-band at selected spectral-spatial sampling.

Note: The spectral range can be expanded by incorporating a second focal plane array sensitive to the 1000-1900nm range. This extension will be considered in subsequent projects.

Period of Performance:
Duration of the project is three years: 1/1/17 - 12/31/19.

Entry and Planned Exit TRL:
The proposed system has been developed beyond the breadboard stage and is currently estimated to be at TRL 3. The system is well-matched to reach a level of TRL 5 by the end of the funding period.

William Marsh Rice University

NOT APPLICABLE

43.001 - Science

Shared Services Center (NSSC) [NASA]

Houston, Texas 77005-1827 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 02/29/20 to 12/15/23 and the total obligations have increased 2923% from $100,000 to $3,023,419.