A Fabry-Perot Scanning Spectrometer for Standoff Chemical Detection

OPTRA is proposing the development of a spectrometer system to measure optical radiation in the 8 to 12 micron spectral range with 8 cm(-1) resolution. The device design is based on a closed loop controlled scanning Fabry-Perot spectrometer that utilizes a spectrally consistent thermal radiation detector array. The system would offer a number of distinct advantages in terms of increased resolution, enhanced ruggedness, large dynamic range and increased spectral throughput. OPTRA has developed a very high sensitivity optical laser based displacement sensor that will be used to sense and control the position of the parallel plate spacing. A parallel plate will be mounted to three piezo-electric actuators. Three optical displacement sensors will control the plate spacing during the entire scan range required to achieve the full 8 to 12 micron spectral bandwidth while maintaining proper parallel plate alignment. OPTRA also plans to incorporate a novel thermal detecting technology as well. These thermal detectors (amorphous silicon microbolometers) will provide spectrally consistent high throughput without the need for active cooling. BENEFITS: The proposed development should advance the field of chemical detection and further the development of advanced thermal detectors for the entire 1 - 30 micron spectral range.