Fast UV Slitless Spectrometer for Meteor Research

Princeton Scientific Instruments, Inc.

Monmouth, NJ
 

Developed ultraviolet spectrometer that can accurately measure the chemical compositions of meteorites as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

• Developed ultraviolet sensitive fast framing camera and data acquisition system with real-time image processing suitable for incorporation in a Shuttle payload.
• Camera system employs a solar blind image intensifier fiber optically coupled to a multi-port output CCD operating at 380 frames/second.
• Identified existing telescope components at NRL that could be adapted for use in the Fast UV Slitless Spectrometer.

• Applicable to the increasing use of imaging in industrial, scientific, and military applications, and the collateral need for real-time image processing to make decisions in real-time.

• Received $45k Phase III for optical design and additional STTR contract to address optical, thermal and mechanical design issues related to a Schmidt telescope and high frame rate CCD camera in an earth-viewing Shuttle Hitchhiker payload.
• The initial mission would be as a Shuttle payload. Once the acquisition of ultraviolet spectrum of meteors has been demonstrated, the instrument becomes a strong candidate for a science payload onboard the Space Station.

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