Research Summaries

Back MEMS THz-to-NIR Focal Plane Array for Space Imaging

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Physics
Investigator(s) Karunasiri, Gamani
Grbovic, Dragoslav
Sponsor Department of Defense Space (DoD)
Summary The detection of colder objects, such as debris or intentionally quiescent man-made satellites, in space, requires the use of sensors operating at longer wavelengths than infrared (IR). The long wavelength terahertz (THz) region of the spectrum has not been utilized in reconnaissance or surveillance applications due to the lack of sensitive detectors. Recently, sponsored by DoD-S, we have demonstrated THz imaging and the ability to enhance THz detection using metamaterials and microelectromechanical devices (MEMS). Two configurations of MEMS sensors have been studied and developed as proof-of-concepts. One is a metamaterial-based bi-material sensor to be used with optical readout in the visible band. The other is a metamaterial-based THz-to-IR converter to be used with infrared cameras. This opened an attractive opportunity to test and characterize this revolutionary THz sensing system in space using current NIR cameras already integrated to spacecrafts. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop MEMS THz-to-NIR focal plane arrays to be integrated with a NIR camera for a potential space flight in 2019/2020. This revolutionary sensing device research will investigate bi-material sensors and THz-to-IR sensors as potential configurations to be used. In both cases the characteristics of the sensors will be optimized to thermally detect THz sources in the 1 to 5 THz range with readout of resultant sensor transduction using a NIR camera. The technical approach to accomplish this goal is to build-on previous know-how, and design, simulate, fabricate and characterize the necessary structures to proof of functionality of the THz-to-NIR conversion. The FPA will be optimized for integration with the SiOnyx NIR camera and the spacecraft to provide a complete imaging system capable of space flight and record real time THz images in the 1 to 5 THz range. For space applications, this technology will provide low power consumption, lightweight, and low cost, in contrast with the current THz imagers.
Keywords Focal Plane Arrays MEMS THz imaging
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal