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One-Sided 3D Imaging of Non-Uniformities in Non-Metallic Space Flight Materials

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2011 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
090069 		Solicitation Year:
2009 		Solicitation Topic Code:
T7.01 		Solicitation Number:
Small Business Information
PICOMETRIX LLC
2925 Boardwalk Ann Arbor, MI -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2011
Title: One-Sided 3D Imaging of Non-Uniformities in Non-Metallic Space Flight Materials
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNX11CC67C
Award Amount: $600,000.00
 

Abstract:

In this Phase II project, we propose to develop, construct, and deliver to NASA a prototype single-sided computed tomography time-domain terahertz (single-sided CT TD-THz) scanner accessory. This accessory will be suitable to be mounted onto a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) imaging gantry for the single-sided inspection of spacecraft and launch vehicle composite structures. The single-sided CT TD-THz scanner will be an accessory which works with existing T-Ray 4000<SUP>REG</SUP> TD-THz NDE imaging instruments owned by NASA (and other aerospace firms). We will also develop, and deliver a software package which employs the model-based image reconstruction (MBIR) methods. The MBIR method allows the reconstruction of 2D slices in depth from the data acquired by the single-sided CT TD-THz scanner. These 2D slices can then be stacked laterally to generate 3D images of sub-surface structures, features and defects. Time-domain terahertz imaging in the 0.1 to 3 THz spectral range is currently being used to characterize defects in Space Shuttle insulation and related materials. The proposed project will largely be configured from standard Picometrix THz sub-components, but incorporate measurements of the scattered THz fields, enabling full 3D reflection-mode reconstruction of non-metallic materials where only one side is accessible.

Principal Investigator:

David Zimdars
Principal Investigator
7348645639
dzimdars@picometrix.com

Business Contact:

Marsha Gilbert
Business Official
7347345611
mgilbert@picometrix.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Picometrix, LLC
2925 Boardwalk Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6765

EIN/Tax ID: 371508208
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
The Regents of the University of Michigan
3003 South State Street, Room 1072
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1274
Contact: Elaine Brock