Project Title:

Multi-Color Spectrographic Polarimetric Imaging Sensor Based on Tunable Refractive-Binary Optics Array

	  94-1	08.08	1416

	  Multi-Color Spectrographic Polarimetric Imaging Sensor Based on 
	  Tunable Refractive-Binary Optics Array

Abstract:

NASA has stated a need for novel system approaches and instrument 
designs to miniaturize and improve the performance of imaging 
cameras and spectrometers for multi- and hyper-spectral remote 
sensing applications. In response to this need, Physical Optics 
Corporation (POC) proposes a Multicolor Spectrographic 
Polarimetric Imaging (McSPI) sensor based on Tunable Refractive 
Binary (diffractive) Optics (TURBO) arrays. There are three major 
innovations involved in this device: (1) a liquid crystal tunable 
binary optics element (TBOE) array that is polarization sensitive 
and provides continuous spectral selection; (2) a fast switching 
Ferroelectric LC plate combined with the TBOE for orthogonal 
polarization selection; and (3) rapid switching between a 
broadband (unswitched) mode for acquisition, and a high 
resolution (switched) mode for discrimination. This miniaturized 
focal-plane array device provides reduced mass, volume and 
operating power. The Phase I effort will include the design and 
analysis of the proposed McSPI sensor module, an investigation 
of the microfabrication techniques required for the integration 
of the sensor, and the fabrication and demonstration of a proof-
of-concept model.

Due to its compactness, simplicity and tunability with high out
of-band rejection, POC's proposed McSPI sensor concept will find 
numerous applications where polarization selective spectral 
imaging is required, especially when the sensor system needs to 
be portable. Applications include environmental monitoring, 
geological surveys, agricultural surveys, pollution monitoring, 
industrial inspection, food inspection, medical structural 
imaging, and optical communications (WDM).

Key words

Physical Optics Corporation
Applied Technology Division
2545 West 237th Street, Suite B
Torrance, California 90505