Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Very Large Solar Rejection Filter for Laser Communication, Phase II
Project Introduction
Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) will develop a band pass filter comprised of a visible dielectric mirror and an induced transmission filter, applied to two sides of a cast polyimide membrane. The mirror/filter combination will block 95% of the incident solar radiation, while allowing a narrow pass-band for laser communication.
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Anticipated Benefits
This research will benefit future NASA programs requiring interplanetary laser communication. High quality membranes coated with precision optical coatings may be useful for large ground-based, segmented telescopes such as TMT and Hobby-Eberly. Although the concept is still in its infancy, a coating transferred to a glass segment via a polymer membrane would be analogous to tinting an automobile car window. Preliminary evaluations indicate a membrane with less than lambda/6 PTV error, may be useful for segmented mirror systems with active correction. A coating transfer process would eliminate the need for a segment assembly containing motors, controllers, and actuators, from being placed in a vacuum chamber for periodic recoating.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Surface Optics Corporation | Supporting Organization | Industry | San Diego, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Maryland
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Michael Fulton
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2009
End: Jan 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX08 Sensors and Instruments
- TX08.2 Observatories
- TX08.2.1 Mirror Systems
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.