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Completed TRL 7 (started at 3, targeting 7)
This effort aims to optimize the coating uniformity of conventional line-of-sight coating deposition methods for HWO applications. We will explore the use of a custom fixture to explore the application of conventional aluminum (Al) + magnesium fluoride (MgF2) coatings in a dynamic planetary coating configuration. This configuration will allow for rotation and revolution of a mounted optic relative to the center of the chamber while the coating deposition sources remain static during the coating application. The coating uniformity will be assessed analytically and experimentally.
The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) mission concept is NASA’s next Flagship and advancement of optical coating technology will allow for transformative astrophysical observations in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) paired with high contrast imaging objectives at the ultraviolet (UV) to visible spectrum. Current Habworlds (HWO) ultraviolet to visible spectral efficiency coating uniformity requirements aim for <1% variability per segment with <3% percent variability over the entire segmented aperture of the primary mirror to meet coronograph needs for exoplanet sciences. The proposed uniformity enhancing technology will allow the merger of interdisciplinary sciences by producing high efficiency and ultra-uniform FUV coatings satifying the requirements of both astrophysical and exoplanet sciences.
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