Stabilized Dispersive Focal Plane System, 15-R8236
Principal Investigators
Peter W. A. Roming
Robert A. Klar
John M. Roberts
Randall J. Rose
Inclusive Dates: 07/01/11 – Current
Background — As the cost of space missions continues to rise, the demand for compact, low-mass, low-cost technologies that maintain high reliability and facilitate high-performance science is increasing. One such technology being investigated at SwRI is a novel approach to provide image stabilization, spectroscopic, and direct-imaging functionality using only a single optical path and detector. Typical systems require multiple expensive optical trains and detectors, often at the expense of performance. SwRI's approach, known as the Stabilized Dispersive Focal Plane System (SDFPS), is ideal for performing wide-field, low-resolution, space-based spectroscopic and direct-imaging science surveys. SwRI's low-mass, low-volume, cost-effective design has enormous potential for impacting future large area space-based science surveys.
In a previous effort, the SDFPS concept was integrated into the necessary hardware and facility infrastructure, algorithms and software for image stabilization were developed, and the system was tested in simplified dispersed and direct-imaging modes. Although the overall concept was validated, this early version of the SDFPS only demonstrated the basic idea. Its technical readiness level (TRL) is not suitable for proposing as a low-risk technology. In this current effort, the focus is on the remaining development necessary to bring the SDFPS to a low-risk TRL focus on increasing the detector data transfer rate sufficient for use in the stabilization algorithms, and creating a mechanism to switch the optical path between spectroscopic and direct imaging (i.e.: a rotating prism mechanism).
Approach — The objective of this investigation is to build and ground test a prototype SDFPS that will concurrently eliminate unwanted image blurring caused by the lack of adequate platform stability, while producing science images in both spectroscopic and direct-imaging modes. The overall approach is to develop the rotating prism mechanism and new science image data handling software, and then retrofit them into the SDFPS. The system will be tested and verified in an Institute Image Stabilization Lab. Demonstrating the prototype SDFPS in the lab will raise the entire system's TRL to a level sufficient to enable flying the system on a suborbital balloon.
Accomplishments — All software and hardware requirements have been defined. Software and hardware peer reviews have been completed. Software coding has begun including the guide mode assembly to be integrated into the H2RG SIDECAR. Optical and mechanical components are being ordered. Manufacturing of the mechanical components will now commence.
