Silicon Carbide Grid Fabrication and Vibration Qualification

SiC grids address identified risks for the Lynx X-ray Microcalorimeter (LXM) and the Athena X-IFU, such as fragility and excessive power usage. Single crystal SiC grids are a natural extension of single crystal Si for integration into NASA filter grids. SiC has the highest thermal conductivity of all materials besides diamond. Phase I measurements showed SiC grids to be 5X stronger than commercial Si grids.We will fabricate prototype SiC X-IFU and LXM microcalorimeter grids with improved temperature uniformity and strength, addressing identified risks for these instruments. We will also improve EMI shielding and develop a method to create custom outer diameters. Each grid will be strength-proofed to ensure design conformance. Full-sized filters incorporating these grids will be durability tested to advance the TRL of SiC grids for NASA missions.All the Phase I objectives were met, with the following results:-An 88mm X-IFU TF4 grid fabricated from a 150mm SiC wafer-Measurements showing high SiC grid strength-Vibration of two 35mm grids to NASA GEVS, one with an attached 80nm membrane-Demonstration of 3:1 grid bar aspect ratio in small grids-A breakout tab method for producing custom outer frame diameters-A test of grid metallization for improved EMI shieldingPhase II objectives are to:-Deliver X-IFU TF5 100mm SiC grids with improved temperature uniformity-Deliver 2-Level LXM DMS 128mm SiC grids with improved durability-Vibration test X-IFU 100mm and LXM 2-Level 128mm grids with attached membranes- Develop a durable aluminum coating to increase EMI shielding-Increasing grid bar aspect ratio and reducing minimum grid bar width for 128mm aperturesAchieving these objectives will yield a functional spacecraft grid technology providing unparalleled transmittance, strength and temperature uniformity, while meeting EMI requirements. The objectives advance grid TRL to a level sufficient for consideration by many NASA missions.nbsp;nbsp;