Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Technology for Miniature&Complex-Form Integrated Opto-Mechanical Structures for Sensors Payloads

We propose to demonstrate ultra precision manufacturing of components for NASA payloads, specifically for electro-optical and infrared sensors that are used in Earth, atmosphere, oceans, and planetary missions. We will integrate the optical and mechanical element and form lighter, more efficient sensor components, capable of replacing traditional multi-element higher weight and more expensive optics. The ability to take advantage of new manufacturing capabilities including micro and nano fabrication, with surface quality in the sub micrometer, and advanced metrology, allows us to develop more efficient sensor payloads, that will result is smaller, lighter less expensive EO and IR sensor payloads. We have selected to manufacture one specific optical system for Phase-I that will demonstrate the concept and increase confidence in the process. In Phase-II we will fabricate additional optical elements. Together with the Phase-I optical system, these element will be assembled into a complete sensor system and the sensor performance will be characterized and compared with present NASA technology in terms of overall optical efficiency (that affects sensor sensitivity, & SNR performance) as well as size, weight, and cost. If successful, these optical components can be introduced into future NASA mission planning.