Author Date

2021-2

Degree Name

Department

Physics and Astronomy

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Defense Date

2021-03-11

Publication Date

2021-03-19

First Faculty Advisor

David Allred

Honors Coordinator

Steven Turley

Keywords

Quantum Dots, Computational Imaging, Inverse Problem, Python, MATLAB, Spectrometer

Abstract

Miniature spectrometers are of great interest to NASA as necessary instrumentation is scaled down and optimized for specific space application. Semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots (QD) are being used to create a miniature high-resolution filter-based spectrometer, with the goal of use in space within 5 years. Computational imaging techniques— such as automated image analysis and mathematical spectrum reconstruction algorithms—are key to making the QD spectrometer a reality. This thesis will discuss the process of developing these computational methods, along with the improvements that have occurred from previous work.