High Reflectance Silicon Dielectric Mirrors for Infrared Astronomy

The goal is to mature our fabrication technology to enable broadband, low loss multi-layer dielectric coatings for the mid- to far- IR wavelength range to enhance the performance of optical components operating at cryogenic temperatures. Conventional high reflectance optical coatings consisting of multilayer stacks of alternating high and low refractive index dielectric materials can achieve high reflectivity and low loss over the visible to the near infra red range. Unfortunately, conventional all-dielectric interference optical coating technologies are not viable for making these components in the mid to far-infrared range due to large thicknesses required and the lack of materials with low enough absorption at those wavelengths. The task becomes even harder since the coatings typically have to operate at a cryogenic temperature: multilayered dissimilar materials inevitably crack and delaminate from the substrate surface due to thermal expansion mismatch.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.