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Development of a Laser Micromachining Process for the Fabrication of SiC Mirrors

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Missile Defense Agency 		Award ID:
69749 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
B041-086-0708 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 223 Miamisburg, OH -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Development of a Laser Micromachining Process for the Fabrication of SiC Mirrors
Agency / Branch: DOD / MDA
Contract: FA8650-04-M-5222
Award Amount: $99,509.00
 

Abstract:

The key goal of this program is to reduce the non-recurring and recurring costs and shorten cycle times for fabrication of the next generation cryogenic telescope structural and optical components. Currently beryllium is used for both the mirrors and the optical bench assemblies in these high performance optical telescopes due to its 1) high stiffness at very light weights and 2) very good thermal properties. However, the use of Be in these telescopes is costly because of the substantial fabrication lead-times associated with the machining and mechanical polishing of mirror surfaces. In addition, the health/environmental hazard related to handling Be is a very significant issue. Over the last few years, silicon carbide (SiC) materials and technologies have matured to the point that they are being baselined for DoD and NASA's operational space flight systems. Recently, Raytheon and MDA have initiated a laser microfabrication process for SiC in the critical optical components of cryogenic telescopes. Developing a laser micromachining capability to fabricate the mirror shape and ultimately polish the surface of a silicon carbide mirror blank will drastically reduce the required lead-time and eliminate the hazards associated with the Be fabrication process. The program outlined in this proposal will determine the appropriate laser for the microfabrication tasks and determine the conceptual design for a SiC mirror fabrication workstation.

Principal Investigator:

Kenneth E. Hix
R&D Scientist
9378653041
kenhix@mlpc.com

Business Contact:

Larry R. Dosser
President
9378654481
dosserlr@mlpc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

MOUND LASER & PHOTONICS CENTER, INC.
P.O. Box 223 Miamisburg, OH 45343

EIN/Tax ID: 030409881
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No