Aerogel Scattering Filters for Millimeter and Sub-Millimeter Astrophysics

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

We propose to develop novel infrared-blocking filters made by embedding scattering particles in an aerogel substrate. Infrared-blocking filters are needed to minimize the heat load on receiver cryogenic systems, stabilizing the instrument and extending mission lifetime. Future instruments require that they do so over increasingly larger apertures, while maintaining high in-band transmission. Aerogel scattering filters have ultra-low density and index of refraction (n<1.07), removing the need for anti-reflection coatings that limit bandwidth and increase filter complexity. By choosing the size distribution of the silicon particles embedded as scatterers in the filter, the cutoff frequency of the filter is tunable with strong rejection across all frequencies above the cutoff. Aerogel scattering filters would enable a broad range of missions, including the Probe of Inflation and Cosmic Origins (PICO) and future SOFIA instruments.

Benefits

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
Program	Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA)
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.

Thomas M Essinger-hileman — thomas.m.essinger-hileman@nasa.gov
Alyssa C Barlis — alyssa.barlis@nasa.gov
Charles L Bennett
David T Leisawitz — david.t.leisawitz@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
Haiquan Guo — haiquan.n.guo@nasa.gov
Manuel A Quijada — manuel.a.quijada@nasa.gov
Mary A Meador — maryann.meador@nasa.gov
Tobias Marriage

How to get involved

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