Efficient Polishing of Metallic Substrates for Active Remote Sensing Applications

Welch Mechanical Designs (WMD) proposes to develop a highly efficient and innovative process for polishing the substrate of high performance optical quality metal mirrors directly, eliminating the need for nickel coating and reducing the number of steps involved, thereby significantly reducing cost, risk, and manufacturing time of telescopes and other optical structures that are suitable for a wide range of imaging applications. This direct polishing process will have a significant impact on the cost, time, and risk, associated with the fabrication of optical assemblies such as compact and lightweight Cassegrain telescopes compatible with existing differential absorption lidar (DIAL) and HSRL lidar systems. The process also allows aluminum to be used to rapidly make larger aperture, stable, monolithic telescopes and optical structures that are suitable for a wide range of imaging applications in aircraft and space deployments.

This direct polishing process will have a significant impact on the cost, time, and risk, associated with the fabrication of optical assemblies such as compact and lightweight Cassegrain telescopes compatible with existing differential absorption lidar (DIAL) and HSRL lidar systems. The process also applies to fabrication of larger aperture, stable, monolithic telescopes and optical structures that are suitable for a wide range of imaging applications in aircraft and space deployments.

The direct polishing process is an enabling technology which has applications across a range of market segments including military and commercial applications. Optical assemblies using polished metal substrates are used in imaging systems by the military for surveillance and targeting, and in civilian applications including astronomy and earth observation. Basically anywhere a telescope is used this process can reduce cost and risk.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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