This task is focused on demonstrating a Fourier-Transform (FT) spectrometer on-a-chip system for in-situ/remote monitoring of Earth, solar system objects, and space physics phenomena by CubeSat missions to study composition, thermal structure, mineralogy, and chemical/physical processes of atmospheres and surfaces using mid-infrared spectral signatures. FT spectrometers based on free-space optics exact penalties in mass, size, power, moving-part failures (e.g. scan-mirror mechanism), and development costs. To address these shortcomings, we have devised, designed, analyzed, and simulated devices with potential for mass manufacture as low-cost spectrometer-on-chip devices. The technology is at technology readiness level 3 and ready for bread boarding, validation, instrument prototyping, implementation, and testing for incorporation in CubeSats.

This technology will enable the use of spectroscopic techniques on miniaturized scales commensurate with SmallSat programs. A robust, weight and power optimized, portable mid-IR spectrometer with broad spectral grasp and without moving parts has crosscutting applications to include planetary science, astrophysics, earth science, manufacturing, and biomedical fields. The recent decadal surveys for earth and planetary sciences specifically recommend such innovation with the goal of resource optimization. The resulting miniaturization advances constitute a game changing and enabling technology that will reduce deployment costs for NASA.