PHOEBUS OPTOELECTRONICS, LLC
Grant: $99,872 - National Science Foundation - Jun. 2, 2009
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Award Description: The grant is a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research award focused on the development of specialized infrared sensors called 'polarimetric sensors,' based on a new class of optical materials called 'metamaterials.' The sensors under development have the potential to dramatically improve the sensing capabilities of infrared remote sensors used for satellite-based global mapping, homeland security and military applications, which currently represent a $1 billion market. During the 6-month effort, Phoebus plans to design, model, produce and characterize an initial prototype metamaterial-based polarimetric sensor. We expect that our initial prototype will yield key performance metrics (i.e., polarization extinction ratios) that are 25x better than those of current polarimetric sensors. Achievement of these results would represent a major breakthrough in remote sensing technology, and would open a clear path to commercialization of the technology
Project Description: The purpose of the award is to develop a first-generation prototype of a new type of infrared sensor, called a 'polarimetric infrared sensor,' that will have both military and homeland security applications. The sensor under development is based on a new class of optical materials called 'metamaterials,' which are the focus of Phoebus's research and development program. During this 6-month effort, Phoebus engineers, in partnership with graduate students at our subaward partner institution, The City College of New York, will develop the first-generation prototype sensor by: i) conducting theoretical calculations to design the sensor, ii) fabricating the sensor using sophisticated semiconductor fabrication techniques, iii) conducting initial optical characterization results of the fabricated sensors, and iv) collaborating with a leading infrared sensor manufacturer to field-test the sensor in a specially-designed testbed. Phoebus expects that the results from the field tests will yield results that validate our theoretical predictions about how the sensor should behave and that they will provide valuable information about how to optimize the sensor design in later research and development phases.
Infrastructure Description: N/A
Jobs Summary: The grant allowed the Prime Recipient to retain its CEO and CTO positions and allowed the Sub Recipient to retain one graduate student research assistant position. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jun. 2, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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