Revolutionary Deployable Optics

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

A diffractive pattern (FZP) will be created on a flexible material that can be rolled, folded, or stowed to reduce its launch volume. A deployment mechanism will then be used to unpack, unfold, or expand the optic and hold it flat. The deployed optic will be less efficient than a traditional optic, but this will be compensated for by increasing the size of the deployed optic. We will be translating LaRC expertise in developing diffractive optics on solid surfaces to develop diffractive optics on flexible surfaces, such as Kapton. In the future, we can increase the optical throughput of the lens by making the diffractive optic multi-layered. We will also apply LaRC expertise in spaceborne mechanisms to develop an expandable or inflatable concept to deploy the flexible optic.

Benefits

Traditional optics are heavy, expensive, and challenging to manufacture and as a result, many instrument architectures have a large minimum size due to significant light collection requirements. We will develop a low-cost, deployable optic (Fresnel Zone Plate (FZP)) to enable lidar and passive remote sensing instruments to significantly reduce their size, weight, and power (SWAP); therefore, enabling new architectures.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Observatories > Mirror Systems
Program	Center Innovation Fund: LaRC CIF (LaRC CIF)
Lead organization	Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

John P Leckey — john.p.leckey@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.

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.