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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose to design, fabricate, and test representative large area quasi-optical components using this low loss polymer materials with minimal absorption bands in the 10 to 100 um bandwidth.
The far-infrared observational window contains a rich pallet of atomic and fine structure lines, which can be used in constraining the content, structure, and evolution of protostars, protoplanetary disks, and molecular clouds. This spectral range provides a wealth of astrophysical data addressing how planetary systems form, where giant planets come from, and the conditions in stellar outflows and shocks. Development of optical components and systems that can achieve the necessary performance in a background limited environment in this waveband can enable new opportunities for space based and sub-orbital instruments. Current NASA missions include SOFIA, PIPER, and BETTII. Future NASA missions include Far-Infrared Surveyor as well as planetary or Earth Science applications which require high performance Far-IR optics.
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