INRAD OPTICS, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: 21a

Description

A domestic source of high-quality bent crystal optics is needed to investigate properties of plasmas generated during nuclear fusion research. We propose to develop commercial production of these crystals and bent optics. Spectroscopy and imaging of long wavelength x- rays, known as “soft x-rays” requires crystals with appropriately long interplanar spacings, such as KAP. Research at fusion energy facilities is affected by the lack of a domestic supply of soft x-ray crystals. Additionally, there is room for improvement of the currently available material with regard to achievement of tight bend radii or challenging bend geometries. Prior experience with soft x-ray crystal growth will be leveraged to rapidly scale up production of these materials. Expertise in assembly of bent crystals and in-house x-ray topography will be applied to develop new procedures for fabrication of high-quality bent crystals with desirable geometries. In Phase I, we demonstrated growth of large KAP boules and fabricated bent optics. During Phase II, crystal growth of other soft x-ray crystals will be conducted and processes will be optimized for production of thin bent crystals. Prototypes will be evaluated at fusion research facilities. Development of fusion as an energy source could have a substantial, widespread impact as a sustainable and safe source of power without negative impact on the environment. In addition to the benefit to the fusion research community, the development of bent soft x-ray crystals could lead to the next generation of surface inspection and material characterization tools, which would benefit many industries, including semiconductor and healthcare.