Description: Design and build the collection assembly for the VIPER Optical Probe Engineering Model suitable for deployment to the ocean floor to look for and map out Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other elements and minerals. The assembly shall be able to collect light from UV to NIR wavelengths with high throughput and couple the light to the Spectroscopy System for analysis. The assembly shall include the necessary optics to focus onto the spot on the sample illuminated by the laser to collect the spectroscopic emission necessary for chemical analysis. The collection assembly shall share key optical components (e.g. variable focus lens, filters, mirrors, etc.) with the illumination assembly that enables the Optical Probe Engineering Model to perform rapid focusing and autofocusing to maximize the instrument performance.

Benefits: This technology can be applied to future NASA missions for planetary explorations of Mars and the Moon for the identification of elements and minerals for in-situ resource utilization.

BOEM is developing this technology together with Impossible Sensing for the exploration and mapping of the ocean floor for Rare Earth Elements. No more than ever with the uncertainty of REE supplies from Russia in question, the US and particular the BOEM is looking to secure future REE for the production of new green energy.