SBIR/STTR
Low coherence, spectrally modulated, spherical wavefront probe for nanometer level free-form metrology, Phase I
Project Introduction
To-date free-form optic manufacture is limited due to inadequate metrology to measure surfaces with free-form and conformal shapes, with large surface slopes and to the required measurement uncertainty. In this proposal we describe a new interferometric non-contact probe capable of measuring free-form optics with nanometer sensitivity. The probe has favorable metrology characteristics and uses a new interferometric modality allowing the advantages of low-coherence interferometry in common path interferometer designs. The combination of high acceptance angles and high sensitivity make possible the use of a simple three-orthogonal-axis metrology frame and fulfills the precision requirements demanded by NASA and industry. The projected data acquisition rates in excess of 10kHz will provide an attractive manufacturing metrology tool.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Free-form optics, both axially symmetric and non-axially symmetric, enable small and lightweight imaging and projection optical systems. NASA needs small and light, high performance imaging performance. This PROBE's commercial application is to enable those optics to be manufactured. The primary road block to manufacturing high performance free form optics is metrology. 3D interferometers cannot measure free forms due to the reversing curvature. Stylus profilers, 3D contact profilers and coordinate measuring machines have the flexibility to measure the surface, but lack the accuracy, speed or data density to provide adequate process control feedback to manufacture the surfaces. The PROBE being developed in Phase I and implemented in Phase II is a unique approach that combines non-contact interferometric sensitivity with high surface slope acceptance. Thus the accuracy, speed and data density required for free form optics will be met. This combination will enable optical manufacturers to meet NASA's need to acquire nanometer level free-form optics.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, AL |
| Apre Instruments, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Tucson, AZ |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Arizona
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Artur Olszak
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2015
End: Mar 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.2 Observatories
- TA 8.2.1 Mirror Systems