Miniature Optical Proximity Sensor

Technical Abstract: (Limit 2,000 characters) No proprietary infoRC Integrated Systems LLC (RISL), with support from Lockheed Martin Space (LMS) and in collaboration with TechOpp Consulting Inc., proposes to advance the development of a novel Miniature Optical Proximity Sensor (MOPS), capable of providing sub-mm range resolution for the measurement of an arbitrary target ranging from contact to over 20cm. This new sensor will achieve over 1 kHz frequency response, consume less than 55mW power, weigh about 7.1 grams, and cost less than 100 dollars. The MOPS addresses NASArsquo;s need for a low mass low power proximity sensor which can be mounted at the end of a robotic arm. The MOPS sensor is based on unique laser interferometry. The outcome of the Phase I program was the successful feasibility demonstration of the MOPS technology through extensive design, modeling, prototype development, and laboratory testing and demonstration. Anbsp;Technology Readiness Level (TRL-) 4 prototype was tested in a laboratory environment to achieve better than sub-mm range resolution with a target over 20 cm simulating satellite surface conditions. At the end of Phase II, RISL will perform a TRL-6 prototype demonstration of the MOPS technology at RISL or anbsp;NASA facility, and will deliver to NASA 10 fully operational MOPS prototypes.