Advanced Cryogenic Fabry-Perot Interferometer Development

Several significant potential infrared applications of tunable Fabry-Perot interferometers are not presently possible because of the unavailability of a Fabry-Perot that can be tuned at cryogenic temperatures. For operation in the far infrared (8-12 micron) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, optics must be kept at cryogenic temperature. At present, such devices are not commercially available for laboratory or spaceflight use. The primary objective of this SBIR proposal is to develop and test a tunable etalon that could be used at cryogenic temperatures based on an existing spaceflight qualified piezoelectric motor design. This actuator would also find application in infrared astronomy, both on the ground and on instruments such as the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). The secondary objective of this effort is to apply this motor to the Multi-Order Etalon Sounder instrument for remote sensing of trace gases in the troposphere. A description of the motor concept as well as the MOES instrument is included in this proposal.