Development of a New Instrument

Both Caltech and Non-Caltech students will be considered

Project Title:

Project Description:

There is a position at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to work on development of a new instrument.
A new approach to imaging spectrometers can provide small instruments for spacecraft as well commercial applications. An imaging spectrometer provides not only scene images but also contains spectral data as well; the spectrum of each image pixel can be extracted. Like any other spectra, this data can be used for compositional analysis and other types of classification.
The present need is for help in integrating, calibrating and testing a aboratory version of a compact and portable version of the nstrument. Specific tasks are to assemble a flight-like version of the instrument for demonstration and testing. The instrument will be calibrated and used to obtain valid science data. In addition, other versions of the instrument will be utilized in bio-medical projects, ncluding a brain mapping project and perhaps some clinical problems.

Background Information:

The SURF student should have some background in physics and optics. Some knowledge of spectroscopy would be very helpful, as would some C and/or C++ programming experience.

Literature references or articles that may provide more information on the project:

You can obtain more information at http://stargate.jpl.nasa.gov/lctf/

Requirements (skills, specific coursework, academic major, year in school, etc.):

Research Sponsor Name: Gregory Bearman
E-Mail: gbearman@jpl.nasa.gov
Division: JPL
Telephone: (818) 354-3285
Address: M/C 306-336

For further information contact Dr. Bearman

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