SiC Optical Bench and Telescope Assembly for SBIRS Low

POCO and Raytheon have teamed up to develop a unique and enabling silicon carbide technology that has broad benefit to large, space-based optical systems. The title of this multi-project effort is Silicon Carbide Afocal Telescope for SBIRS Low (SCATS).The objective of this proposal (as part of SCATS) is to develop and cryogenically test a SiC optical bench assembly and integrate the SiC Mirrors from SBIR MDA 03-022. Ambient temperature and cryogenic performance testing, as well as environmentaltesting of the integrated telescope will be carried out. The emphasis and innovative engineering is on mounting issues, mechanical assembly and alignment. The focus is on the system as an assembly of components and interfaces. Mounting issues includemechanical stresses and strains, and distortion due to thermal impacts over the operating temperature range. Testing will focus on system level performance. Cryogenic Testing will focus on system level accuracy and will validate that the alignment andintegration between component mounts is maintained over the operating temperature range. Poco and Raytheon have identified a number of benefits that will come from this effort.Benefits to SBIRS Low with SiC Optics1) Reduced Track Sensor Recurring Cost2) Dramatically Shortened Fabrication Leadtimes3) Visible Quality Performance While Maintaining LWIR Sensitivity4) Development of alternate to Be for high performance Optic systemsBenefits to Poco Graphite Inc.1) Accelerates data development on SuperSiC for space applications2) Provides path for Validation of SuperSiC in a real optical system - the optical bench3) Increases our probability of success in commercialization4) Quicker transition of this SiC conversion technology to market for Space applications