Fiscal Year	2015
Division	Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department	Physics
Investigator(s)	Karunasiri, Gamani Newman, James H. Grbovic, Dragoslav
Sponsor	Department of Defense Space (DoD)
Summary	The detection of colder objects in the environment of space requires the use of sensors operating at longer wavelengths than conventional infrared bands. These objects can include debris, or intentionally quiescent man made satellites. 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, we have demonstrated THz imaging and the ability to enhance THz detection using metamaterials and microelectromechanical devices (MEMS). For space applications, this technology provides low power consumption , lightweight, and low cost. Therefore, the goal of the proposed research is to develop highly sensitive, uncooled, real time THz focal plane arrays (FPA) using MEMS bi-material technology, for real time imaging. The absorbing layer can be made of nanoscale metal films (broadband) or metamaterials (narrowband) detection. In the follow-on research, we plan to extend the capability to multispectral FPA using metamaterial structures with complex un it cell structures. The successful conclusion of the research project will lead to a highly sensitive lightweight THz camera that could fit satellites such as CubeSats or larger satellites for applications involving space situation awareness.
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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