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Radiation Resistant Optical Bonding Technology for Solar Cell Coverglass

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
86701 		Program Year/Program:
2008 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F073-095-0706 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Infoscitex Corporation
303 BEAR HILL RD WALTHAM, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2008
Title: Radiation Resistant Optical Bonding Technology for Solar Cell Coverglass
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9453-08-M-0009
Award Amount: $99,949.00
 

Abstract:

This proposal addresses the space optic community's need for an optical bonding material with superior stability in the harsh space environment. Adhesives used in space must exhibit near-zero degassing, tolerate drastic temperature changes and be hardened to ionizing sources of radiation. The tolerance for these properties are restricted even further when applied to adhesives in the optical path, as is the case for solar cell coverglass adhesives. As the power systems have become more advanced, the limits of Dow Corning's DC93-500 have been exceeded. Infoscitex proposes to develop a space grade optical bonding technique comprised primarily of a radiation-hardened silicate-like network combined with elastomeric linkages. The proposed silicate-elastomer hybrid bond (SEHB) will exhibit the following advantages over DC93-500: Enhanced resistance to radiation, optical transmittance and charge dissipation. Thermal shock durability and near-zero outgassing will also be demonstrated. Infoscitex is uniquely positioned to insert candidate bonded samples into ongoing radiation resistant coverglass development testing. Phase II prototype coverglass interconnected cells (CICs) fabricated with the SEHB technology will be delivered to AFRL or platform manufacturers for prequalification. Infoscitex has teamed with an optical products supplier and a solar array manufacturer to commercialize the SEHB technology after the SBIR Phase II.

Principal Investigator:

James Belcher
Manager, Advanced Materials Group
7818901338
jbelcher@infoscitex.com

Business Contact:

William F. Thompson
Contracts Manager
7818901338
bthompson@infoscitex.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

INFOSCITEX CORP.
303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, MA 02451

EIN/Tax ID: 043537120
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No