The Fabrication of Ultra-Light Full-Shell Replicated x-Ray Optics by 3D-Printing, Year 1

The proposal seeks to demonstrate printing of material directly onto a precisely figured mandrel in order to eliminate secondary forming and polishing steps after the printing process. The first process is to electroform a very thin (i.e., 50 micron) layer of Ni onto a mandrel. Afterward the ceramic is printed onto the electroformed nickel, heat treated at low temperature, and then released. The second approach is to use a thin film release layer such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) which is deposited on the mandrel prior to printing of the ceramic. After printing the ceramic is heat treated at low temperature and then released.

The goals of this proposal are relevant to NASA as an approach for the development of large-area, high-resolution optics for future missions. The ultimate goal is to provide the X-ray astrophysics community with improved instrumentation for the discovery of how the Universe works from the very moment of its creation through the evolution of galaxies, stars and planets, how it will continue to evolve, and what its ultimate fate may be.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.