Fast UV Slitless Spectrometer for Meteor Research Princeton Scientific Instruments , Inc. Monmouth, NJ

1. Small Business Innovation Research Fast UV Slitless Spectrometerfor Meteor ResearchPrinceton Scientific Instruments, Inc.Monmouth, NJ • INNOVATION • Developed ultraviolet spectrometer that can accurately measure the chemical compositions of meteorites as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. • ACCOMPLISHMENTS • 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. GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS • 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. • COMMERCIALIZATION • 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. Points of Contact: - NASA - Joe Nuth; 301-286-9467 - Princeton Sci. Inst. - John Lowrance; 732-274-0774 Goddard Space Flight Center 1994 Phase II, SS5-054, 4/5/01