Optically Controlled and Corrected Active Meta-material Space Structures (OCCAMS)
Project Description
Photons weigh nothing. Why must even small space telescopes have high mass? Our team has demonstrated this is not the case using a completely novel approach to producing and correcting active optical primary mirrors to be used specifically for NASA's future large space telescope missions. Unprecedented advances in nano-engineered meta-materials have produced a laser actuated liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) polymer substrate with controllable reversible bi-directional bending. Using our novel optically controlled molecular actuators allows substitution of optically induced control for rigidity and mass.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Benefits of this project include a more exciting science and exploration future and a more robust national capability for aerospace activities enabling new industries and contributing to economic growth.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neoteric Physics, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | |
| BeamCo | Supporting Organization |
Industry
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
|
Orlando, Florida |
| Lander University | Supporting Organization | Academia | Greenwood, South Carolina |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | Supporting Organization | Academia | Kahului, Hawaii |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Florida
-
Hawaii
-
South Carolina
