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SiC-Based Laser Fusion Optics—MER Corporation, 7960 South Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85706; 520-574-1980
Dr. W. Kowbel, Principal Investigator, mer@mercorp.com
Dr. J.C. Withers, Business Official, jcwithers@mercorp.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FE03-01ER83279
Amount: $100,000
Damage resistant, high precision optics that can operate at 1/4 to 1/3 micron wavelengths are critical for use in DOE inertial fusion power plants. However, currently used metallic and silica laser fusion mirrors suffer from low thermal conductivity or high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). This project will develop mirrors made from high thermal conductivity SiC optics material that withstands very high energy fluxes and is insensitive to neutrons, x-rays, and debris. Phase I will produce carbon composite SiC mirrors with excellent thermal performance and high optical quality (2 Angstroms rms). In addition, both compatability with reflective optical coatings and cost effectiveness will be established.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Lightweight, high-precision SiC-based mirrors should find use in military, space, and commercial applications such as space-based and air-borne lasers, high-energy lasers, laser radar systems, synchrotron x-ray, VUV telescopes, large astronomical telescopes, and weather satellites.