Development of Nanostructured Antireflection Coatings Technology for UV and IR Bands for Improved Detector Array and Sensor Performance

Future NASA missions that include Earth Science and Planetary Science missions will benefit from the development of nanostructured antireflection coatings. Broadband antireflection optical coatings covering the ultraviolet to infrared spectral bands have many potential applications for various NASA systems. Tunable nanoengineered optical layers enable realization of optimal nanostructured coatings with high laser damage thresholds, and high reliability in extreme low temperature environments and under launch conditions. The antireflection coatings offer omnidirectional suppression of light reflection/scattering with increased optical transmission to enhance detector and system performance for various NASA applications. As part of the proposed NASA Phase I SBIR program, Magnolia will model, design and develop high performance nanoengineered antireflection optical coating technology that can be implemented in future NASA missions.

AR coating technologies for spectral bands from the UV to IR can particularly benefit NASA Earth Science and Planetary Science applications, enhancing detector performance and scientific return of missions. Nanostructured AR coatings offer exciting possibilities for enhanced UV/IR sensor SNRs and fast response times, making them especially useful for NASA missions. One area of great interest for the nanostructured AR coatings is minimizing signal scattering/reflections from the various surfaces of optical and imaging instruments in space.

Commercial applications for the nanostructured AR coatings include optical components such as lenses and windows; optoelectronic devices such as sensors and photovoltaic panels; and electronic displays, e.g., in smartphone and tablet devices. The AR coatings provide improvements in sensitivity and system performance for various commercial sensing and imaging applications.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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