SBIR-STTR Award

A new design for an airborne, high-performance, hyperspectral imager is proposed for measurement of ocean and cloud radiances. Key components of the new design are the use of anamorphic fore-optics to increase the signal and dynamic range as compared to conventional hyperspectral imager designs, and a unique two-part (butcher-block) diffraction grating that allows the spectral response of the imager to be tailored to accommodate lower signal (and throughput) of ultraviolet and blue wavelengths (~340-450nm). These innovations enable a compact, lightweight, airborne-compatible system that has better spatial resolution, a larger dynamic range, and greater signal-to-noise ratio than conventional hyperspectral imagers of similar size and specification. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The proposed technology is designed to measure ocean and cloud radiances from air- or ship-based platforms to provide complementary observations to and enable vicarious calibration of satellite based remote sensing platforms. A particular example is the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) that is to fly on board NASA’s PACE satellite. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The proposed technology is suitable for use in a wide range of existing applications for airborne hyperspectral imaging, including agriculture, oceanography, environmental science, land management, pipeline monitoring, search and rescue, as well as defense and security. Duration: 6

The purpose of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a compact and high-performance hyperspectral imager designed specifically for remote sensing of aquatic systems/ecosystems. The proposed design utilizes anamorphic optics, a unique segmented dual blaze grating, and innovative filter placement to maximize the instrument’s sensitivity and dynamic range. These innovations enable retrieval of fainter signals as compared to conventional slit spectrometers, especially in the short wavelength regime where solar illumination is attenuated by the Earth’s atmosphere. The innovations enable higher performance while keeping cost and weight low. The proposed instrument is designed to be flown on low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles, enabling accessibility to a wide range of researchers and data collection in many more scenarios than is possible with current satellite and airborne assets. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The instrument will provide cost-effective ground-truthing for current NASA assets such as PRISM, sensors on board Landsat-8 and 9, and the MODIS instruments. Future applications include ground-truthing for instruments such as the OCI on board PACE and the GLIMR mission. The proposed instrument may also be used to collect data relevant to the Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) study and the Arctic-COLORS field campaign. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The proposed instrument system will be accessible to researchers and organizations with limited financial resources. Potential applications may include public safety (e.g., monitoring of harmful algal blooms and water quality), shallow water benthic mapping, and marine fauna surveys. Duration: 24