Ultrahigh Precision CTE Measurements

Poor CTE homogeneity can impact the performance of a telescope in at least two ways. First, if the CTE and/or the homogeneity of the CTE of a mirror blank exceeds known design parameters, then the resulting mirror will simply be unusable. Knowing the CTE and/or the homogeneity of the CTE of a mirror blank can therefore be used as a screening tool such that CTE-poor blanks are not machined and polished into mirrors only to be discarded after discovering the finished mirror does not perform well over temperature. Secondly, since a mirror may be manufactured at one temperature, say 300K, and operated at or undergo temperature swings during operation. While corrective measures exist, they still are a function of the mirror substrate's CTE homogeneity. This is why it is extremely important to discover these inconsistencies and defects early in the manufacturing process. In this proposal, we will outline our system to non-destructively test a 100mm sample of low CTE material, with the intention of scaling it up to much larger sample sizes to accommodate the need to test 4m diameter blanks prior to machining

Ability to non-destructively screen low CTE mirror blanks for defects scalable to include extremely large test-pieces expected accuracy ranges of the parts per billion level resulting in significant cost reduction in labor and materials This scalable non-contact metrology process is intended for use on telescope mirrors for the HabEx and UVOIR missions. Furthermore, the CTE measurement system will eliminate the uncertainty that a mirror will not suffer from CTE-related issues when in use.

Ability for manufacturers to non-destructively test low CTE materials for defects prior to manufacturing. They may also choose to market the products as "individually tested". Consumers of low CTE materials may want to test them prior to processing, saving the time and cost of manufacturing a defective piece of raw material.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.