OPTRA is currently developing a Risley Prism Universal Pointing System (RPUPS): a highly customizable cued beamsteering system. The RPUPS consists of a visible or infrared cueing imager co-aligned with an optical beam steering system’s pointing-field-of-regard. The cueing imager is used to identify a region-of-interest within its wide field-of-view, via a wireless tablet device. The tablet user can choose to manually or automatically, identify and track regions-of-interest. The optical beam steering system uses a matched pair of Risley Prisms to direct an interrogating optical system’s instantaneous-field-of-view onto the identified region-of-interest. The tablet updates the user with real time information from both the cueing imager and the interrogating optical system. Risley prism material and geometry choices provide operating wavelength, aperture size, and field-of-regard flexibility for this front-end pointing component. Back-end components may be receive-only, transmit-only, or transmit/receive combinations. The flexibility of the RPUPS allows for mission specific customization where applications include but are not limited to: synthetic foveated imaging, spectroscopic probes and laser (LIDAR) ranging and tracking. This paper will focus on the design and anticipated applications of the RPUPS.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Mid-IR, Long wavelength infrared, Digital micromirror devices, Optical filters, Spectral resolution, Spectroscopy, Signal to noise ratio, Sulfur, Gases
OPTRA is currently developing a modular, reconfigurable matched spectral filter (RMSF) spectrometer for the monitoring of greenhouse gases. The heart of this spectrometer will be the RMSF core, which is a dispersive spectrometer that images the sample spectrum from 2000 – 3333 cm-1 onto a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) such that different columns correspond to different wavebands. By applying masks to this DMD, a matched spectral filter can be applied in hardware. The core can then be paired with different fore-optics or detector modules to achieve active in situ or passive remote detection of the chemicals of interest. This results in a highly flexible system that can address a wide variety of chemicals by updating the DMD masks and a wide variety of applications by swapping out fore-optic and detector modules. In either configuration, the signal on the detector is effectively a dot-product between the applied mask and the sample spectrum that can be used to make detection and quantification determinations. Using this approach significantly reduces the required data bandwidth of the sensor without reducing the information content, therefore making it ideal for remote, unattended systems. This paper will focus on the design of the RMSF core.
OPTRA has developed a Fourier transform infrared phase shift cavity ring down spectrometer (FTIR-PS-CRDS) system
under a U.S. EPA SBIR contract. This system uses the inherent wavelength-dependent modulation imposed by the FTIR
on a broadband thermal source for the phase shift measurement. This spectrally-dependent phase shift is proportional to
the spectrally-dependent ring down time. The spectral dependence of both of these values is introduced by the losses of
the cavity including those due to the molecular absorption of the sample. OPTRA’s approach allows broadband
detection of chemicals across the feature-rich fingerprint region of the long-wave infrared. This represents a broadband
and spectral range enhancement to conventional CRDS which is typically done at a single wavelength in the near IR; at
the same time the approach is a sensitivity enhancement to traditional FTIR, owing to the long effective path of the
resonant cavity. In previous papers1,2, OPTRA has presented a breadboard system aimed at demonstrating the feasibility
of the approach and a prototype design implementing performance enhancements based on the results of breadboard
testing. In this final paper in the series, we will present test results illustrating the realized performance of the fully
assembled and integrated breadboard, thereby demonstrating the utility of the approach.
We report on our current status towards the development of a prototype Fourier transform infrared phase shift cavity ring down spectrometer (FTIR-PS-CRDS) system under a U.S. EPA SBIR contract. Our system uses the inherent wavelength-dependent modulation imposed by the FTIR on a broadband thermal source for the phase shift measurement. This spectrally-dependent phase shift is proportional to the spectrally-dependent ring down time, which is proportional to the losses of the cavity including those due to molecular absorption. Our approach is a broadband and spectral range enhancement to conventional CRDS which is typically done in the near IR at a single wavelength; at the same time our approach is a sensitivity enhancement to traditional FTIR owing to the long effective path of the resonant cavity. In this paper we present a summary of the theory including performance projections and the design details of the prototype FTIR-PS-CRDS system.
OPTRA is in the process of completing the development of a high speed resonant Fourier transform infrared (HSR-FTIR)
spectrometer in support of the Army's thermal luminescence measurements of contaminants on surfaces. Our
system employs a resonant scanning mirror which enables 6.2 kHz spectral acquisition rate with 27 cm-1 spectral
resolution over the 700 to 1400 cm-1 spectral range. The design is ultimately projected to achieve a 10 kHz spectral
acquisition rate with 8 cm-1 spectral resolution over the same spectral range. To date this system represents the
highest/broadest combination of spectral acquisition rate and spectral range available.
Our paper reports on the final design, build, and test of the HSR-FTIR prototype spectrometer system. We present a
final radiometric analysis predicting system performance along with the details of the signal channel conditioning which
addresses the effects of the high speed sinusoidal scanning. We present the final opto-mechanical design and the high
speed interferogram acquisition scheme. We detail the system build and integration and describe the tests that will be
performed to characterize the instrument. Finally, we offer a list of future improvements of the HSR-FTIR system.
OPTRA has developed a novel approach to phase shift cavity ring down spectroscopy (PS-CRDS) using a Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) modulator to impose the spectrally-dependent amplitude modulation on a broadband IR light
source. As with previous PS-CRDS measurements, we excite a resonant cavity with amplitude modulated energy and
measure the phase shift of the modulated signal exiting the cavity which is proportional to the ring down time and
inversely proportional to the losses of the cavity including those due to molecular absorption. In contrast to previous
efforts, we impose the amplitude modulation with the FTIR interferometer instead of an external electro-optical
modulator and extract the phase from each interferogram thereby enabling broadband FTIR-PS-CRDS measurements at
greater than 1 Hz update rates. The measured phase spectra can then be used for multicomponent analysis. The
combined measurement can be viewed as a resonant cavity enhancement to traditional FTIR spectroscopy or a
broadband enhancement to CRDS.
In our paper we present the theory behind this measurement and describe the breadboard and test results from our
feasibility study.
OPTRA is developing a high speed resonant Fourier transform infrared (HSR-FTIR) spectrometer for surface
contaminant measurements via time resolved thermal luminescence. This system incorporates a multipass reciprocating
interferometer and a resonant mirror structure to accomplish the scanning. The resonant scanning approach significantly
reduces the mirror drive power requirement relative to a non-resonant system. Because the spectral range is limited only
by the spectral transmission and reflection properties of the components and the detector responsivity, this system can be
made as broadband as a typical FTIR spectrometer system. For this application, the system will operate over the 700 -
1400 cm-1 spectral range with 8 cm-1 spectral resolution.
This paper presents a portion of the preliminary design of the HSR-FTIR prototype and includes the results from
breadboard tests of the resonant mirror assembly.
OPTRA is developing a high speed resonant Fourier transform infrared (HSR-FTIR) spectrometer for surface
contaminant measurements via time resolved thermal luminescence. This system incorporates a multipass reciprocating
interferometer and a resonant mirror structure to accomplish the scanning. The configuration and associated reduced
physical stroke length requirement for a given spectral resolution allows for the use of high speed resonant actuators
such as piezo stacks. Because the spectral range is limited only by the spectral transmission and reflection properties of
the components, this system can be made as broadband as a typical FTIR spectrometer system. For this application, the
system will be designed for the 700 - 1400 cm-1 spectral range with 8 cm-1 spectral resolution.
OPTRA and University of North Carolina are developing an imaging open-path Fourier transform infrared (I-OP-FTIR)
spectrometer for 3D profiling of chemical and biological agent simulant plumes released into test ranges and chambers.
An array of I-OP-FTIR instruments positioned around the perimeter of the test site, in concert with advanced
spectroscopic algorithms, enables real time tomographic reconstruction of the plume. The approach will be considered
as a candidate referee measurement for test ranges and chambers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
effort combines the instrumentation and spectroscopic capabilities of OPTRA, Inc. with the computed tomographic
expertise of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
In this paper, we summarize progress to date and overall system performance projections based on the instrument,
spectroscopy, and tomographic reconstruction accuracy. We then present a preliminary optical design of the I-OP-FTIR.
A hyperspectral Fourier transform spectrometer (HS-FTS) has been developed to study biological material binding to
surfaces through spatially resolved, spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy and also label-free white light
reflectance spectroscopy. Spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy yields the height of fluorescent tags bound
to a specific location on biomolecules tethered to a surface, and from this the biomolecule conformation can be
predicted; white light reflectance spectroscopy yields the average height of an ensemble of biomolecules relative to the
surface. The HS-FTS is composed of a small, step scanning Michelson interferometer made by Optra, Inc., a series of
commercial off the shelf imaging lenses, and a 12-bit thermoelectrically-cooled CCD camera. The system operates over
the 500 to 900 nm spectral range with user defined spectral resolution, thereby supporting use of a host of fluorescent
tags or white light spectral windows. The system also supports near real-time hyperspectral cube acquisition via
undersampling with the use of a spectral filter and user defined interferometer step increments. The overall approach
offers flexible yet sensitive measurement capability for a variety of biological studies. Preliminary results are presented
of both spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy and white light reflectance spectroscopy measurements of
artificial, photographically etched surfaces with feature heights on the order of 10 nm. Planned future work includes
spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy measurements of biomolecule conformation as manipulated by
external electrical and magnetic fields as well as label-free white light reflectance spectroscopy measurements of DNA
microarrays.
An imaging open-path Fourier transform infrared (I-OP-FTIR) spectrometer is being developed for real-time three-dimensional cloud profiling. The system employs a single modulator and a novel optical configuration which projects an array of angularly dispersed IR beams, each of which exhibits comparable throughput to a single channel OP-FTIR, to an array of respective retroreflector arrays remotely located at the opposite side of the test grid. The return light from each retroreflector array is imaged onto respective detectors that record the spatially-resolved interferograms which are subsequently transformed and analyzed for molecular content via advanced multicomponent algorithms. The result is a capability to sensitively, quantitatively, and simultaneously measure the molecular absorbance and associated concentration-pathlength of an open release plume over a spatial region. Use of two or more I-OP-FTIR sensors around the perimeter of the release allows for tomographic reconstruction of the concentration map of each molecular species contained in the plume.
This approach realizes the high sensitivity of an OP-FTIR spectrometer without adding the expense and logistical difficulties associated with installing a large number of spectrometer units required for the cloud profiling application. In addition, the active spectral measurement supports detection in zero temperature contrast conditions where the plume is the same temperature as the background. A further reduction in cost and weight is achieved through the use of low-cost plastic press molded retroreflector arrays to return the spatially dispersed open path beams.
Lasers for defense applications continue to grow in power and fill in new portions of the spectrum, expanding the laser eye safety hazard, particularly to aircrew and aviation safety. The Laser Event Recorder Program within Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) seeks to develop a low cost, self-contained laser sensor able to detect, warn and record laser exposures that hazard aircrew vision. The spectral and temporal range of hazardous lasers (400 to 1600 nm and pulsed to continuous) has presented a challenge in the past. However, diffractive optics and imaging technologies have enabled a solution to this growing threat. This paper will describe the technical requirements for the Laser Event Recorder, which are based on ANSI Z136.1 laser safety standards and common to its use on any platform. To support medical and operational laser eye protection, the LER extracts and records laser wavelength, radiant exposure, exposure duration, pulse structure, latitude, longitude, altitude and time of laser exposure. Specific performance and design issues of the LER prototype will be presented in a companion paper. In this paper, fundamental challenges to the requirements encountered during the first two years of research, development and successful outdoor testing will be reviewed. These include discrimination against all outdoor light levels and the impact of atmospheric beam propagation on accuracy of the radiant exposure determination. Required accuracy and response time of the determination of whether a laser exposure exceeds the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) will be described. Ongoing efforts to coordinate laser exposure reporting and medical management will also be discussed.
The primary objective of this effort is to develop a low-cost, self-powered, and compact laser event recorder and warning sensor for the measurement of laser events. Previously we reported on the technology and design of the Laser Event Recorder. In this paper we describe results from a series of ground and airborne tests of the Laser Event Recorder.
The primary objective of this effort is to develop a low-cost, self-powered, and compact laser event recorder and warning sensor for the measurement of laser events. The target requirements are to measure the wavelength, irradiance, pulse length, pulse repetition frequency, duration and scenery image for each event and save the information in a time and location stamped downloadable file. The sensor design is based on a diffraction grating, low-cost optics, CCD array technology, photodiodes, integral global positioning sensor, and signal processing electronics. The sensor has applications in laser safety, video surveillance and pattern recognition.
OPTRA has developed a low-cost, extremely compact, rugged open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer for workplace air quality monitoring. This research was funded under a United States Air Force ABIR Phase II contract. The goal of the program has been to identify and alleviate all aspects of currently available OP-FTIR systems which result in high-cost and complex user requirements. This low-resolution ssytem (Δσ = 8 cm-1) employs an uncooled DLATGS detector and a novel encoder-based reference metrology. Other design economies include a plastic injection-molded retroreflector array to return the open-path beam. This effort has included the development of a set of algorithms based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and partial least squares (PLS) by the University of Idaho; these algorithms are specifically tailored to low-resolution systems applied to multi-component analysis of large, organic molecules characterized by broad infrared resonance bands. The algorithms, coupled with our OP-FTIR, are designed to autonomously identify and quantify a list of 105 common industrial organic molecules in the presence of varying humidity levels. Our system includes two PCI boards which host all OP-FTIR processing and servo electronics; the boards reside in a small suit-case PC along with a user-friendly Graphical User Interface.
This paper describes the evolution and capabilities of our Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) modulator in multiple configurations for various applications concerning Homeland Security. The heart of our system is the extremely compact and rugged Michelson interferometer we originally developed during our involvement with the JSLSCAD
program. (1) Our "J-Series" modulator is capable of resolving the 7 to 14 μm spectral region to 4 or 16 cm-1 with a
measured radiometric sensitivity of 2x10-9 W/(cm2ster·cm-1). This system has successfully undergone rigorous testing for operation over a temperature range of -40 to +65°C and vibration levels associated with a spectrum of military ground, air, and water vehicles. The following describes the design and characterization of our J-Series modulator as well as the subsequent evolutions of the instrument in the forms of an active open-path FTIR and an imaging (hyperspectral) FTIR. We present this system in passive and active configurations with cooled, uncooled, and imaging detectors. We also project sensitivity limits for each configuration and measurement for some common chemical agents as well as industrial compounds.
We present a new hyperspectral imaging system for the long wave infrared (LWIR) based on a tunable first-order Fabry-Perot Scanning Spectrometer (FPSS). The FPSS operates over 8 O 12 micrometers with a spectral resolution of 1% of the wavelength. The FPSS has a 22 degree field of view and a spatial resolution of 0.11 degrees. The key components of the FPSS system are the collection optics, a tunable Fabry-Perot etalon, optical position sensors, a closed-loop positioning system, an uncooled microbolometer focal plane array, a digital frame grabber card, and a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Interferant spectral features that are stable in both time and optical frequency oftentimes can be made negligible with respect to spectral features of interest by simple data processing techniques such as absorbance subtraction. With varying degrees of success more sophisticated processing of these same spectra can reject these interferant spectral features even when not stable in time. Beyond this, a classic approach to rejecting spectral interferants is to operate at higher and higher spectral resolutions so that ultimately the interferant feature separates from the feature of interest so that it is of negligible effect as an interferant. For a given observation time this approach results in a loss of radiometric sensitivity. A further reduction in radiometric sensitivity may occur since the maximum allowed etendue in a fixed parameter system must also be decreased to accommodate the higher resolution. (This reduction in etendue is more likely in the instance of a process control application as opposed to an open path monitoring application). The use of offset scanning and field widening as techniques for regaining this lost sensitivity are discussed.
An optical monitoring technique that will produce an accurate qualitative measurement of simple multi-component optical spectra with a single direct measurement of interferogram phase is described. The analysis of absorption, emission or transmission spectra has proven to be a powerful tool for detecting chemical constituents in gaseous or liquid process streams. The pre-eminent instrument for this is the Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS); however, the high cost and relative fragility of these systems has prevented their widespread incorporation into chemical systems characterization. Using interferometric techniques similar to those used in FTS, but in a dramatically simplified embodiment, this system may provide the wavelength specificity and sensitivity of an FTS, with the low cost and ruggedness of a simple filter radiometer.
Over the past two decades major advances in FTS have allowed process control engineers to more readily consider the use of this measurement technique. The most striking advance has been in the area of data processing facilitated by extraordinary increases in computing power. The development of improved optical fibers has provided a means for bringing the measurement to the factory floor while providing a remote `laboratory environment' site for the less-than-robust spectrometer optical systems. Recent advances in auto-aligned systems again permit consideration of moving the spectrometer system to locations in close proximity to the process itself. Generally, these systems are based on the use of HeNe lasers for the reference and auto-align mechanism. This results in large and expensive measurement heads to again argue against placement of the spectrometers proximate to the process. This paper describes the successful use of a solid state light source in place of the HeNe laser in an auto- aligned and referenced FTS system which allows consideration of small and inexpensive process control spectrometers. A review of a spectrometer system utilizing a combination of auto-align and referencing technologies utilizing diode sources is presented. DOD and NASA support enabled this dual-use technology to be developed.
Dynamic alignment has been demonstrated as a practical approach to alignment maintenance for systems in the infrared region of the spectrum. On the basis of work done by OPTRA, this technique was introduced in commercial Fourier transform spectrometer systems in 1982 and in various forms is now available from a number of manufacturers. This paper reports on work by OPTRA to extend the basic technique to systems operating in the ultraviolet. In addition, this paper reports the preliminary results of the development of an alignment system using a laser diode in place of a gas laser normally found in dynamic alignment systems. A unique optical system and spatial heterodyne technique allows for achievement of a metrology system with characteristics that fully satisfy the requirements of an ultraviolet spectrometer system.
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