Tunable Spectral Sifting (TSS) Filter for Space Sensors

Optical Physics Company is proposing to implement and demonstrate its novel tunable spectral sifting (TSS) filter design to enhance the capabilities of space sensors for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System Follow-On (STSS F/O) program. During the Phase I effort, a single stage of the TSS filter was assembled and tested in the laboratory in visible, NIR wavelengths, showing its switching and wide field of view operations. The Phase II base effort will create a TRL 5 prototype of the TSS Filter. This prototype will be tested in-house by OPC, first to measure its performance in a more integrated package at SWIR using custom components, and then to gauge the impact of temperature and angular field position on performance. The two options that follow the Phase II base effort will generate a TRL 6 ground test unit (GTU) and a flight test unit (FTU) both of which will be delivered to the Air Force. The project timeline fits well with STSS F/O. The TRL 6 GTU would be ready six months before the planned STSS F/O preliminary design review (PDR). The TRL 7 FTU would be ready about nine months before the planned STSS F/O critical design review (CDR) date.