Self-Assembled Adaptive Optical Components

The proposed program would demonstrate the feasibility of electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processes for the low-cost fabrication of adaptive reflector membranes for space-based optical systems. ESA processing involves coating solid substrates by the alternate adsorption of anionic and cationic complexes of polymers, metallic nanoclusters and other molecules from water-based solutions at room temperature and pressure. By controlling the molecular structure created in the resulting multilayer thin film, materials with different properties may be formed, including optical filters and mirrors, electrostrictive actuator elements, ultrahigh conductivity interconnecting thin film leads, and ultrahard surface protection coatings. NanoSonic has licensed nine strategic ESA patents from Virginia Tech to enable materials and device commercialization. During the Phase I program, NanoSonic would work with Virginia Tech to demonstrate the feasibility of the ESA process for integrated reflector/actuator device fabrication, high conductivity element interconnects, and surface protecting coatings. Several large industrial partner companies would provide input during Phase I concerning ESA process scale-up and device testing, and would offer opportunities for Phase II development partnering. ~990088 ~