Exploiting Unusual Characteristics of Photonic Crystals for Novel Optical Device

In Phase I, IFOS designed, built, and demonstrated a novel type of compact, lightweight, fast, ultra-high- resolution wavelength spectrometer. The central element of the spectrometer is based on innovative photonic crystal designs. These types of materials or structures can possess ultra-high dispersive properties and thus yield high levels of spectral resolution (picometer), in a very compact volume (1mm2 x 0.5 mm) and lightweight package (<100 grams). In Phase II, we will optimize the design to miniaturize the packaging for enhanced performance and more design flexibility, enabling new and improved NASA missions and science measurement capabilities. Extensive reliability testing will be performed to validate the capability of the proposed spectrometer to NASA standards. By tailoring the thickness of each layer, numerically according to design specifications, the spatial dispersion of the device is maximized. Going a step beyond the periodic photonic crystal approach, IFOS will obtain the decisive technical advantage to make this revolutionary spectrometer a superior product. IFOS will integrate all sub-components into an ultra-compact, lightweight and robust package, yielding ultra-high performance.