Stitching Interferometry for Freeform Optics (SIFO)

Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)

Description

This project will develop software tools that will improve instrument design, manufacturing, and metrology capabilities by addressing several key areas: aberration-theory-based freeform design, modeling of freeform surfaces that have gratings, stitching interferometry for freeform surfaces, diamond turning of freeform surfaces, and 3D printing of freeform surfaces.

Benefits

Freeform optics enable the miniaturization of next-generation optical instruments from the infra-red through UV wavelengths, with even greater fields of view and faster f/numbers.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Optical Components
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2019-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael A Johnson — michael.a.johnson@nasa.gov
Renee M Reynolds — renee.m.reynolds@nasa.gov
Jonathan C Papa — jonathan.papa@nasa.gov
Clark D Hovis — clark.d.hovis@nasa.gov
Manal A Khreishi — manal.a.khreishi@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.