SBIR-STTR Award

To address the Air Force need for spectral imaging of space objects, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Wideband Hyperspectral Optical Satellite Identifier (WHOSAID). This proposed device is based on parallel hyperspectral imaging spectrometry for spectral signature acquisition, and derivative spectroscopy for spectral signature processing. A novel use of POC’s proprietary Volume Phase Grating and use of a novel contrast enhancement scheme from derivative spectroscopy will enable the WHOSAID to acquire hyperspectral images in a parallel process and to acquire an entire satellite spectral signature as a single frame. As a result, this technology sharpens the accuracy and specificity of the acquired data and delivers superior capability for satellite spectral signature discrimination and characterization, which directly addresses the USAF requirements for comprehensive identification of Resident Space Objects. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of WHOSAID by assembling and testing a single spatial pixel proof-of-concept prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a GEODSS compatible prototype to show how the approach solves the problem.

Benefit:
Military applications of the WHOSAID design will include various target identification and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) systems. WHOSAID can be implemented in a range of existing Air Force SSA systems (such as GEODSS, MOSS, etc.) for system performance improvement, particularly vis-a-vis their limitations on the observational time needed for achieving an adequate satellite spectral signature. The POC design substantially reduces spectral signature distortion by providing parallel hyperspectral image acquisition, and substantially minimizes misinterpreting spectral signatures by providing an entire spectrum analysis via employing derivative spectroscopy routines. The major commercial markets for WHOSAID technology include: remote sensing (e.g., crop evaluation), sensing of civil system satellites, border patrol, security, surveillance, process control in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and product inspection.

Keywords:
Hyperspectral, Volume Phase Grating, Derivative Spectroscopy, Spectral Signature

Real-time spectral signature recording and identification of satellites is an essential need of the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system. The Air Force is seeking a low-loss ZBLAN fiber (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF composition) with wide spectral band optical transmission for satellite tracking systems. Expanding the detection range from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared wavelengths can substantially improve the satellite spectral identification. ZBLAN glass compositions, however, have high loss due to crystallization when fabricated on Earth. To address this Air Force need for low-loss ZBLAN glasses and optical fibers, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to prepare and conduct a ZBLAN fiber drawing experiment in low gravity on a Black Brand V type sounding rocket payload. An additional experiment with a similar ZBLAN glass host that is highly doped with active ions for laser applications will help to answer the question of whether crystallization of the perspective glass compositions could be suppressed enough to meet the low loss requirements for countermeasure applications when processed in low gravity. This Phase II project execution will utilize the available standard payload designs and will closely follow the established NASA program schedule for sounding rocket missions.

Benefit:
Through the confirmation of crystallization suppression in low gravity during fiber fabrication, the mission will open a pathway toward a unique opportunity to substantially expand the range of applicable fiber material compositions. Such compositions, including highly doped ZBLAN glasses with theoretical insertion loss orders of magnitude lower than in existing fibers, would enable high-power mid-infrared (mid-IR) lasers for a variety of DoD and civilian applications, including countermeasures, wideband hyperspectral imaging, industrial plastics processing, and medical laser treatment.

Keywords:
Optical Fiber, Mid –ir, Zblan, Low Gravity, Fiber Drawing