SBIR-STTR Award

In this study, a design will be developed for a field-portables pectroradiometer covering the 1.0-2.5 um wavelength region utilizing line array detectors. This instrument will be used for the measurement of the reflectances of both man-made and natural materials using ambient solarillumination. The preliminary functional requirements for this spectrometer are as follows: wavelength range from 1.0 to 2.5 um with a spectralresolution of at least 10 nm; weigh less than 10 pounds exclusive of batteries; To have a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 600:1 at 2200 nm, 30% reflectance, for a single half second integration time and 34 degree solar zenith angle as defined by the Lowtran-7 atmospheric model; To have adynamic range sufficient to measure surface radiance at 0 degree solar zenith angle and 100% reflectance; Acquire all wavelengths simultaneously to operate at temperatures as low as -20 degrees C; and, to be radiometrically calibrated and maintain calibration under field conditions.In order to test aspects of the proposed design, a breadboard instrumentwill be fabricated and tested. The results of these tests will be used tofinalize an instrument design for fabrication in Phase II.

In this development effort, the field-portable spectroradiometer instruments designed in the Phase I study will be built. Two field-portable instruments, one for transmission, the other for reflectance, will cover the 0.35-2.5 nm wavelength region utilizing line array detectors. This instrument will be used for the measurement of the transmission and reflectances of both man-made and natural materials using ambient solar illumination. The functional requirements for these spectrometers are as follows: wavelength range from 0.35 to 2.5 um; spectral resolution 4nm, 350-900 nm, 8-10 nm, 900-2500 nm; weigh approximately 15 pounds exclusive of batteries. To have a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 500:1 at 2200 nm, 100% reflectance, for a single one-second integration time and 45 solar zenith angle as defined by the Lowtran-7 atmospheric model. To have a dynamic range sufficient to measure surface radiance at 0 solar zenith angle and 100% reflectance. Acquire all wavelengths simultaneously; to operate at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, and to be radiometrically calibrated and maintain calibration under field conditions. The instrument constructed during Phase I, will be tested under various field conditions with the sponsor.