Objectives and benefits we propose to develop and test a tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (tulipss) for future implementation on UAV, airborne, and orbiting platforms. The…

This federal contract award to William Marsh Rice University, doing business as Rice University, is for the development and testing of a Tunable Light-guide Image Processing Snapshot Spectrometer (TULIPSS) system. The objectives are to create a high-fidelity functional prototype that can be flight-tested on an aerial platform. The TULIPSS system will be capable of acquiring instantaneous hyperspectral images across the visible and near-infrared wavelengths, with flexible spatial and spectral resolution. This will enable a range of Earth science applications, including the ability to record transient surface and atmospheric phenomena.

The contract, valued at $3,023,418.85, is a grant for research awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center. It has a period of performance from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, with the goal of advancing the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 5 by the end of the funding period. There is no set-aside designation for this award. This project aligns with NASA's broader objectives in Earth science research and remote sensing capabilities.

Objectives and benefits we propose to develop and test a tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (tulipss) for future implementation on UAV, airborne, and orbiting platforms. The proposed system, when fully operational, will be able to perform a wide variety of earth remote sensing observations. Here we focus on the development of a high fidelity functional prototype to be flight-tested on an aerial platform by the end of the funded period. Tulipss will be capable of acquiring instantaneous images across the visible and near-IR, with a flexible spatial/spectral resolution tradespace. This is accomplished using custom-adaptable fiber optic image processing bundles whose input is in the form of a denselypacked coherent waveguide. The optical output from each waveguide, or line of waveguides, can be flexibly designated as spatial or spectral enabling a wide variety of observational configurations. Thus, the system's innovative aspect is the controlled repositioning of pixels between the input and output of waveguide coherent structures, allowing efficient multi-dimensional (x, y,) snapshot imaging and operational flexibility. This flexibility enables a range of spatial/spectral configurations (e.g. specific sub-bands around target lines, prioritization of spatial or spectral resolution, etc.) to satisfy specific observational goals. Additionally, tulipss is low resource (mass, volume, power) but highly capable. The ability to collect data across an entire scene in a single exposure makes tulipss uniquely suited to a range of earth science applications, including the ability to record transient surface and atmospheric phenomena, and to provide multiple views through an atmospheric column for tomographic studies. As proposed, tulipss will allow: a) snapshot hyperspectral image acquisition and high light collection efficiency b) tunable adjustment of spatial and spectral resolution, and flexible selection of target wavelengths c) spectral coverage across relevant wavelengths from 400NM 1000NM d) easy exchange of image sensors, allowing different camera formats and sensitivities e) flexibility in development of the number of input/output fiber bundles proposed work and methodology the main project objectives include: - development of high resolution fiber optic bundle components and advancement of fiber bundle technology - development of an automatic spectral/spatial resolution tuning mechanism - development of automatic calibration and control routines - system integration for VIS-NIR imaging range - testing in airborne environment the basic principal of the spatial/spectral image processing methodology proposed here is the coupling of fore optics to a light-guide image processor (LIP) that distributes the incoming photons to a sensor array in a flexible, application-specific manner, describing spatial and spectral information. In this project we will develop a system capable of automatic adjustment of sampling. Three main configurations will include 400X330X30 to 250X210X80 and 150X125X250 cube size where the numbers denote the ranges in the two spatial and one spectral dimensions. The camera used to assemble the system will be PCO edge 5.5 capable of recording relevant signals in the 400-1000 NM range. Tulipss will allow selection of the sub-band at selected spectral-spatial sampling. Note: the spectral range can be expanded by incorporating a second focal plane array sensitive to 1000-1900 NM range. This extension will be considered in subsequent projects. Period of performance duration of the project is three years: 1/1/17 12/31/19. Entry and planned exit TRL the proposed system has been developed beyond the breadboard stage and is currently estimated to be at TRL 3. The system is well-matched to reach a level of TRL 5 by the end of the funding period.