Infrared Air Temperature RadiometerOPHIR Corporation

Littleton, CO

Innovation: Infrared Air Temperature Radiometer

Accomplishments:•Two critical U.S. patents have been issued for our innovations in this field (No.4,394,575 and 4,874,572).•New U.S. Patent filed in October 1999•We have completed a Phase I feasibility study and have designed, built and tested a prototype under Phase II. •Major aerospace company providing flight test evaluation support.

Commercialization:• OPHIR was awarded a NASA Phase I contract through NASA Glenn Research Center to further

develop the Air Temperature Radiometer. The proposed Phase II effort utilized MEMS technology to implement most of the optical detection package. According to one reviewer “The use of MEMS technology will significantly reduce the size, weight, power requirements of the sensor system.” The reviewer goes on to say “The proposed sensor development in Phase II is a good example of the types of innovative sensor systems that NASA will need in the future to accomplish mission objectives.”

• At this time, representatives of six DoD and NASA programs have contacted OPHIR Corporation concerning the suitability of our Air Temperature Radiometer (ATR) technology for meeting their performance, weight, volume and cost requirements. Proprietary Data Agreements have been signed with several large Aerospace companies. A MOEMS implementation of our technology is currently required by each of these programs. Additionally, Letters of Support have been received.

Government/Science Applications •Highly accurate and high-speed air temperature measurements from stealth platforms•Improved fuel efficiency measurements from commercial aircraft•Remote detection of atmosphere thermal anomalies•Remote detection of clear air turbulence and other flight hazards

Points of Contact: - NASA (Rodney Bogue 661-258-3193) - Ophir (Martin O’Brien, 303- 933-2200)1993 SBIR Phase II; NAS 4 50035; SS4 004

Dryden Flight Research CenterJanuary 27, 2000

Prototype 15 m Air Temperature Radiometer