Miniature Spherical Retroreflectors Fabricated by Fluidized Bed CVD

Miniature spherical retroreflectors are an enabling technology for remote laser sensing of chemical, biological and radiological agents in the atmosphere. Prior to this SBIR project, no suitable fabrication technique existed to produce spherical retroreflectors with the required graded index of refraction structure. This project will produce spherical retroreflectors with compositional grading from center to surface. This approach combines the well-established technology for fluidized bed processing with existing technology in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of optical materials. The Phase I project demonstrated technical feasibility of the approach. The Phase II project will further optimize properties, improve production, and extend the process to other coating materials for application at different optical wavelengths. Also during Phase II, sample quantities of miniature spherical retroreflectors will be produced and delivered for evaluation by DOE. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to remote laser sensing, the spherical retroreflectors will be useful for many other sensing, tracking, and free-space communications applications. The technology will also benefit other industrial, commercial, and scientific applications.