Optics and Optical Coupling for Future CMB Missions

Study of the Cosmic Microwave Background at large angular scales reveals information about the inflationary epoch of the universe and the formation of early structure during reionization. CMB experiments aim to produce precise measurements of the CMB at both large and small angular scales. These experiments must cover a frequency range spanning 30-400 GHz to separate foregrounds from signals to produce unambiguous measurements of the cosmological signals. I propose to develop optical and optical coupling technologies for future satellite based CMB missions including antireflection coatings for >300 GHz, antireflection coatings for sapphire, filters embedded in silicon optical elements, and feedhorns with high performance and for high frequencies. These technologies are all low TRL and can be fabricated using laser machining. The development of these technologies will improve the quality of the next generation of ground based CMB experiments, as well as raise the Technical Readiness Level of silicon optical elements for future balloon and space-based CMB missions.

Study of the Cosmic Microwave Background at large angular scales reveals information about the inflationary epoch of the universe and the formation of early structure during reionization. The development of these technologies will improve the quality of the next generation of ground based CMB experiments, as well as raise the Technical Readiness Level of silicon optical elements for future balloon and space-based CMB missions.

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