Ultra Low Reflectance Black Silicon for Visible to IR Light Absorption

Matter Intelligence proposes the development of ultra-low reflectance black silicon for visible to infrared light absorption, addressing the NASA SBIR 2025 solicitation (S12.01) on Exoplanet Detection and Characterization Technologies. This innovation aims to improve diffraction control in coronagraphs, critical for achieving the <1e-10 contrast required for direct imaging and spectral characterization of Earth-like exoplanets by NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The proposed effort will optimize cryogenic etching techniques to achieve broadband reflectance below 0.1% from 0.4µm to 20µm, leveraging prior advancements from the Roman Space Telescope's Coronagraph Instrument (CGI). Phase I funding will support process optimization, sample fabrication, and independent reflectance validation, ensuring compatibility with future flight instruments. The target markets include NASA, astrophysics research institutions, and commercial optical applications requiring advanced light absorption technologies.