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

Description

Bent crystals are commonly used in studies of plasmas created for fusion power. Spectroscopy of long wavelength x-rays, known as “soft x-rays” requires crystals with appropriately long interplanar spacings, such as KAP and RAP. Research at fusion energy facilities is affected by the lack of a domestic supply of these crystals and optics. Additionally, there is room for improvement of the currently available material with regard to bending radii, cracking, and achievement of elliptical and spherical bending. We propose to develop a US-based source of soft x-ray crystals and bent crystalline optics. 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 will initiate crystal growth of KAP and fabricate bent optics. Process improvements will be conducted using feedback from characterization with the goal of producing prototypes for evaluation at fusion research facilities. The availability of improved bent crystals for plasma diagnostics will benefit the development of fusion power, potentially relieving our dependence on fossil fuels. Key Words : Bent Crystal, Plasma, X-ray, Phthalate, Fusion