Integrated Fourier Transform Spectrometer

A MEMS enabled photonic integrated circuit is proposed, to implement a high resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer.nbsp; The targeted NASA application is EPRV (extremenbsp;precision radial velocity), a technique used to measure the masses of temperatenbsp;planets orbiting sun-like stars that calls for a spectrometer with R~100,000 in the visible to NIR spectrum (400-900nm).nbsp; A single chip measuring occupying less than 170 square millimeters of area can implement this function, minimizing the need for complex control systems that are required for stabilizing larger bulk realizations.nbsp; nbsp;In a FTS, two replicas of an input lightwave signal are subjected to independently controlled time delays and recombined to produce a so-called interferogram.nbsp; By forming the interferogram over a suitably wide range of time delays, an autocorrelation representation of the signal is formed which can then be digitally Fourier Transform to yield the desired spectrum.nbsp; The iFTS uses a novel set of coarse and fine time delay adjustments with a digital architecture wherein MEMS actuation provides 17 bits of time delay control.nbsp; In this phase 1 effort, the complete system will be analyzed to produce reachable system performance specifications for a later Phase 2 consideration.nbsp; Moreover, an early effort involving the deposition and characterization of key layer materials for optical waveguide construction will be performed, using Obsidian Sensors#39; proprietary Integrated MEMS on Glass manufacturing process.nbsp; nbsp;The goal will be to explore the possibility of adding an optical waveguide module to produce a low cost photonic integrated circuit fabrication technique that includes MEMS and thin film transistors.nbsp; nbsp;PDK (process design kit) from commercial photonic waveguide foundries will also be considered with recommendations compiled for which direction to follow for a later Phase 2 implementation.nbsp; nbsp;