Super Polished Coronagraph Mirrors

Coronagraph optics require a level of super polishing not yet achieved by any optical manufacturing approach for mirrors optimized for space use, with significant and varying curvature, and large enough for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. Optimax intends to extend years of robotic smoothing and polishing development to manufacture these super polished optics to the extremely stringent specifications required by the next generation of space instrumentation. By merging manufacturing know-how with an investigation of novel force- and active component combinations for robotic smoothing, Optimax will strive to reach a 3 Å RMS surface roughness criteria with correlation lengths in the range of 10-50 µm as specified in the solicitation. In the first Phase, Optimax will investigate smoothing techniques in light of material properties, geometry (including compensation for light weighted optics and differential deflection during polishing), and tool/ slurry modification to demonstrate the desired optical surface outcome. Additionally, fabrication and metrology techniques will be assessed in light of the correlation length requirement, which is relatively new to the optics manufacturing environment. These outcomes will be assessed for scalability to optics of larger geometry during Phase II and beyond, moving toward the 1-3.5 m segments expected for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Improved precision optics manufacturing techniques are desired by many of NASA’s telescope missions, and enhanced manufacturing outcomes from the proposed project will help satisfy those. One of the goals of the project will be to streamline and standardize processes to reduce cost- and lead-time for highly precise optics, which will benefit multiple NASA endeavors. The technologies developed in this effort will enable UV-suitable aspheric and freeform optics through reduction of surface roughness and mid-spatial frequency content on variable curvature optics. Additionally, the efforts could extend Optimax’s capabilities in providing solutions toward x-ray optics required for future x-ray observatories. The focus on scalability of the processes and application to light-weighted optics also enhances multiple NASA missions that require optics of varying geometries and materials, from tightly packaged CubeSat and SmallSat optics up to large mirror segments, like those specified in the solicitation. Optimax manufactures optics for a variety of areas beyond NASA space applications, including photolithography, high-energy lasers, and x-ray applications. Through the technology developed as a part of this SBIR effort, Optimax will be able to extend our product offerings to multiple market areas with an eye to the future. As technology advances, requirements for optics likewise progress to demand greater precision, smoother surfaces, and optimized approaches for light-weighted optics in multiple market sectors. The precision manufacturing processes developed in this effort will enhance capabilities in high-performance optical systems, providing commercial opportunities in photolithography, metrology, and X-ray applications in astronomy, physics, and industrial sectors. These markets are not only technologically critical but also economically significant, with the global semiconductor market exceeding $500 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. The X-ray optics market, spanning astronomy, high-energy physics, and industrial applications, is valued at over $5 billion, with strong growth driven by advancements in medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and space-based observatories. Improvements to optic manufacturing outcomes and capabilities are generalizable to these areas as well, enhancing Optimax’s market offerings.

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.