NASA SBIR SUCCESS STORY Goddard Space Flight Center
1999 Phase II

Precision Optical Tools for Station Keeping

Visidyne, Inc.

Burlington, MA

INNOVATION

Small laser/optical distance meter that also utilizes its laser beam for data transmission. Phase based measurement of distance can be tailored to provide accuracy from millimeter to micrometer levels depending upon the application.

Small Laser/Optical Distance Meter
Small Laser/Optical Distance Meter
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • The instrument successfully measured distances <1mm.
  • The tool transmitted data at 5kBPS
COMMERCIALIZATION
  • Permanently installed Safety Monitoring Metrology for large structures, e.g., a bridge subjected to dynamic motions and vibrations from traffic, wind load or earthquake. Provides an historical record of the structure's integrity and reduces technician involvement installing temporary monitors
  • Dimensional control during assembly of large structures
  • Phase based detection can provide for a low probability-of-intercept laser communication system.
GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS
  • Microsatellite Arrays - Formation Flying and inter-satellite communication.
  • Rendezvous/Docking of spacecraft.
  • When fully miniaturized to a size similar to an industrial color CCD camera, the sensor will be suitable for numerous other metrology applications
For more information about this firm, please send e-mail to company representative

Return to NASA SBIR Success Listings

Aerospace; Sensors; Communications

Curator: SBIR Support