Proximity Glare Suppression using Carbon Nanotubes

Phase II work has been performed to the satisfaction of customer advisors and provided excellent value to the government. Phase II related R&D has resulted in many accomplishments including the development and delivery of carbon nanotube coated entrance slits for the PACE Ocean Color Instrument. The technology developed resulted in extremely dark, short nanotubes deposited on a platinum blocking layer, which improved adhesion. The ability to grow nanotubes on a metallic catalyst enhancer was documented in a NTR and is the basis for one of our Phase II-E goals; growth of nanotubes on electrically contacted arrays for chemical detection. This is being funded by a private investor and by the NASA COVID-19 Diagnostics team in Phase II-E as a promising approach to improve nanotube based sensing technology. We fabricated a variety of Carbon nanotube coated Lyot stops and apodizer mirrors for NASA GSFC, Ames and the Space Telescope Science Institute for use in coronagraph test beds. Both NASA Goddard and STScI are investing in further development of these high tech components which are precisely patterned with ultrablack absorbers on high reflectance mirrors with exquisite figure. In Phase II-E we will work towards higher resolution patterning and develop a process to pattern on a spherical mirror for the first time, an enabling technology for Laser Communications transmitters. The University of Notre Dame has engaged us to develop transmissive apodizers and Lyot stops for the Gemini Planet Finder upgrade for a premier ground based Observatory. NASA GSFC is also investing to apply a variety of nanotube processes we developed including low temperature, improved adhesion, short and long growth to develop carbon nanotube absorbers on doped silicon bolometers. This will improve detection in the UV to FIR with room temperature detectors. We are configuring a new test facility and engaging backup processing facilities to ensure continuity of process through COVID-19.

Exoplanet finding - The coronagraph components (Carbon Nanotube coated apodizers and Lyot stops) are enabling technologies for Exoplanet finding for NASA future missions such as Habex and LUVOIR Improved signal to noise in NASA instruments - carbon nanotube coated baffles, stops and calibrators will improve NASA instruments operating from the UV to Far Infrared. In addition, nanotube absorbers on silicon bolometers will enhance their performance over a broad spectral range Exobiology - nanotube based sensors Laser communications improved SNR

Laser communications will have improved signal to noise using nanotube apodizers Enhanced diagnostics for sensing of chemicals and pathogens such as COVID-19 is possible by patterning functionalized nanotubes instead of manually placing them on PC boards Stray light control for any optical instrumentation - cameras, autonomous vehicle sensing systems, Art and Fashion - watches , art

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