Open Call for Science and Technology Created by Early-Stage (e.g. University) Teams

Evidence shows that dielectric coatings have tens of PPM of optical scattering, and excess thermal noise. We believe that crystallites that naturally form in the evaporated films cause both negative effects and that nanolayering can impede crystallite formation. In this initial phase we will test if nanolayering retards crystallization (depress crystallite formation) with one or two material pairs. Crystallite-free coatings are expected to have lower optical scattering and thermal noise. We will make the coating samples using an electron beam evaporation coater in Benevento, Italy, and measure crystallization vs. annealing temperature with XRD in CSU-LA. RicLab will supervise the project, review and analyze the data and prepare the report. We will also start development of diagnostic tools for future characterization and define development specs.