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Completed TRL 5 (started at 1, targeting 5)
This is a restart of last years CIF that had to be terminated early. This effort will rigorously study ultrafast laser welding and develop the techniques for reliably performing a weld of Glass to Glass, Glass to Metal, or Glass to Ceramic, such as the case for a thermoelectric cooler. Potential applications will include welding a glass optic to a metal mount, glass optics to ceramic sample, and connecting optical fiber to a collimator. Additionally, the team will investigate the techniques for writing a waveguide inside a glass sample, and look at the factors that influence waveguide loss. Once this effort has been fully demonstrated, future HQ funding opportunities such as ESTO's ACT, IIP, EVIs, EVM's, Planetary Sciences' PIDD, MatiSSE, etc. will be pursued.
This is a revolutionary, generic technology with multiple uses for sensors, optics, structures, and various devices. It is being pursued vigorously in industry, but not for NASA applications or material selections. This goal of this effort is to leverage the commercial/academic efforts for NASA applications.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.