STTR Phase I: Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research project is for the development of an ultra-compact Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer for the entire visible spectral range. The spectrophotometer can operate with dozens of independent optical inputs and provide high resolving power in a wide spectral range. This compact low cost spectrophotometer may enable a wide variety of handheld detection sensors for use in chemical sensing and the detection of biological agents. This spectrometer has the ability to be mass produced and mass deployed which makes it attractive for homeland Security applications such as chemical sensing and bio-threats. A device with such size is inherently lightweight and rugged which makes it useful for defense applications such as un-manned airborne vehicles. The device also compliments lab-on-chip concepts.