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Functionalized Nano-Film Microchannel Plate: A Single High Aspect Ratio Device…

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2011 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
094270 		Solicitation Year:
2009 		Solicitation Topic Code:
S1.05 		Solicitation Number:
Small Business Information
Arradiance, Inc.
142 North Road Sudbury, MA 01776-1142
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2011
Title: Functionalized Nano-Film Microchannel Plate: A Single High Aspect Ratio Device for High Resolution, Low Noise Astronomical Imaging
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNX11CA90C
Award Amount: $595,700.00
 

Abstract:

Atomic layer deposited functional nano-film technology is used to manufacture Microchannel plate (MCP) devices capable of high gain / low ion feedback operation, on glass capillary array substrates, as a means to replace MCP chevron configuration and enable direct photocathode deposition (e.g. GaN) for NASA applications. Commercial MCP devices rely on 1970's manufacturing technology, constrained by the bulk glass: heavy metal impurities limit the achievable dark noise in low signal detection, the requisite batch processing restricts flexibility to tailor individual device performance and often result in poor yield. Arradiance's proven nano-film technology has been shown in Phase I to improve the component functions of secondary electron emission and conductivity resulting in high performance MCPs. In Phase II performance optimization of these novel devices and, enabled by substrate independence, an opportunity to explore direct deposition of advanced photocathodes. Since the high quality GaN films required for efficient photoelectron transport can only be deposited at elevated temperatures (<900 C), conventional Pb-glass MCPs, with a softening point of ~400C, are not suitable. Arradiance nanofilms allow high temperature MCP substrates (e.g. quartz or anodized alumina - AAO) and the opportunity for significant detection efficiency improvement. TRL 4 at beginning; TRL 6 at end.

Principal Investigator:

Neal T. Sullivan
Principal Investigator
8889494441
nsullivan@arradiance.com

Business Contact:

Ken L. Stenton
Business Official
9789788291
kstenton@arradiance.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Arradiance, Inc.
142 North Road Sudbury, MA 01776-1122

EIN/Tax ID: 571193838
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No