TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS) The multiplexer electronics represent a true breakthrough in adaptive-optics technology. Xinetics has developed the multiplexer system to take advantage of the properties of the PMN actuators. The high dielectric constant of PMN actuatorsmeans that any charge placed on an actuator remains there essentially forever until it finds a discharge path. This implies that fabricating a suitable switching system allows a single amplifier channel to address thousands of actuators. The trade-off has to do with the overall system speed, but for spaced-based imaging applications speed is not critical.The current SBIR took the results from previous programs one-step further by reducing the system noise and increasing the digital resolution. Xinetics has successfully demonstrated the low-noise concepts under this program. The major issues raised in Phase I are: charge injection in solid state switches, and optimizing analog and digital algorithms for robust charge transfer control. Results show a 1-lsb differentiation between adjacent channels within the test system. These results are extremely encouraging for a Phase II program where we will develop a single-board 1024-channel driver system with 16-bit input with 1-bit of resolution.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS Low-Noise multiplexer electronics have applications in a variety of low-speed adaptive optics applications. Currently applications such as opthalmic imaging, laser correction, and satellite imaging would all benefit from this technology. In addition NASA programs such as Terrestrial Planet Finder will find direct application for this technology.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip) Eugene Kreda Xinetics Inc 2 Buena Vista St Devens , MA 01432 - 5022
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip) Xinetics Inc 2 Buena Vista St Devens , MA 01432 - 5022