SBIR Phase II: Development of an Array of Solid State Liquid Crystal Spectral Instruments

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*** 9710943 Noto This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project utilizes emerging technology to produce high resolution, tunable Fabry-Perot etalons with no moving parts. It utilizes new liquid crystal (LC) technology to grow precision nematic crystals onto the surface of traditional etalon plates and to control etalon resonant wavelength by application of a variable electric field. The LC technique is the centerpiece of the proposed instrument and is expected to be an essential component in future spectroscopy. Several prototype devices will be constructed with an ultra-high resolution etalon for use in LIDAR systems and a spectral imaging system for either RAMAN imaging or aeronomical all-sky Doppler imaging. The technology will be applicable to many problems, ranging from process spectroscopy, where a spectroscopic analyzer is used on a production line for process control, to needs in space science for highly capable, inexpensive instrumentation. This technology may also find uses in ground-based optical aeronomy, where tight budgets call for new instruments with expanded capabilities and that are fully automated and capable of surviving in harsh environments. ***