New polarization capabilities for the the McPherson VUV reflectometer

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

This IRAD is to augment existing Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometric characterization capabilities by producing a far-ultraviolet (FUV) linear polarizer to examine the polarization properties of FUV coatings produced at GSFC.

Benefits

Design and fabrication of an ultra-compact 4-mirror polarizer to fit inside the McPherson sample compartment will allow direct measurements of reflectance/transmittance of coatings at two orthogonal linear polarization states in the far-ultraviolet spectral range. There are limited capabilities for polarization measurements in the FUV range (90-200 nm).

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2021-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

David H Richardson — david.h.richardson@nasa.gov
Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Manuel A Quijada — manuel.a.quijada@nasa.gov
Javier G Del Hoyo — javier.g.delhoyo@nasa.gov
Luis V Rodriguez De Marcos — luis.v.rodriguezdemarcos@nasa.gov
Paul A Scowen — paul.a.scowen@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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