Single Crystal Bimorph Array (SCBA) Driven Deformable Mirror (DM), Phase II

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will research a novel deformable mirror design for NASA adaptive optics telescope applications. The innovation offers reliable mechanics for the strained architecture, thus facilitating dynamic modeling and the overall control of the DM system. A system-level finite element analysis and design optimization, in combination with proof-of-concept experimental verification methods, will be adopted to identify the most promising design for the future adaptive optics telescope systems. Focus will be given to improve the long time reliability and stability of the system while reducing thermal distortions. Phase II objectives are to (1)design and pragmatically build and integrate the monolithically integrated 100x100 Single Crystal Bimorph Array (SCBA) Deformable Mirror (DM) system onto VLSI substrate for VIS/NIR infrared operating range to demonstrate the monolithic proof-of-concept operating of the DM system, and (2) demonstrate a beam shaping system employing the SCBA DM chips to efficiently compensate rapidly changing aberrations and characterize the final integrated corrector system for phase modulation depth, framing speed, operating field of view, influence function, spatial uniformity, and scalability to millions of actuators.

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.