Normal-Incidence X-ray Mirror

We have defined the requirements for an X-ray reflective multilayer for our wavelength and selected suitable candidate material pairs for the high and low-density layers, based on ALD literature. Several materials have been tried using commercial ALD providers; we have also explored the deposition process parameters for some materials using an ALD reactor at UMD. It appears to be possible to achieve the required layer smoothness using ALD. In order to try to deposit interesting material pairs using interesting deposition methods, we have successfully built a small, specialized ALD reactor for thermal and plasma-assisted deposition at Goddard. Due to the covid lab closure and the subsequent (still ongoing) long delays for part deliveries from commercial vendors, while the reactor is near-complete, we have not yet started depositions as of the closure of the project, but work will continue using external funding. We expect it to result in a successful multilayer coating that has useful reflectivity at E=500-600 eV at normal incidence.

The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges.  Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects.  Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.

Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding, or agree to external partnerships and collaborations.  In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.

The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped.  The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or be used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry, and other Government Agencies.

If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help