2000 NASA STTR Phase-I Proposal
Proposal #: 000079

1. Research Topic: 05 - Rocket Engine Test Operations 
2. Project Title: Nanostructured High Temperature Optical Filters for Protection of
                  Spectroscopic Instrumentation

3. Small Business Concern                  4. Principal Investigator
   Name:      NanoSonic, Inc.                 Name:  Dr. Kristie L. Cooper
   Address:   PO Box 618
   City:      Christiansburg
   ST:        VA Zip: 24068  

5. Research Institution 
   Name:     Virginia Tech
   Address:  340 Whittemore Hall
   City:     Blacksburg
   ST:       VA Zip: 24061 

6. Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

The objective of the proposed STTR program is to develop and demonstrate robust, high temperature optical low-pass filters that may be formed directly on the windows of spectroscopic instrumentation used for rocket engine analysis. This work would solve the existing problem of excessive thermal loading of spectroscopic systems typically used to analyze rocket engine performance. Very high temperature metallic oxide nanocluster thin films with heat-blocking low- pass optical filtering functions and graded coefficients of thermal expansion would be formed by molecular-level electrostatic self-assembly processes demonstrated by Virginia Tech. This nanoscale self-assembly process inherently leads to the formation of low-defect structures, and the precise ability to achieve graded material properties in functional thin film coatings. During Phase I, NanoSonic would work with Virginia Tech to design, synthesize and demonstrate the optical, mechanical and thermal properties of these coatings on representative instrument window material substrates. Thermal performance of the optical filter coatings to temperatures as high as 1400 C are anticipated based on prior Virginia Tech research. A technology demonstrator test article will be fabricated and evaluated in cooperation with a major U.S. aerospace contractor. During Phase II, NanoSonic will develop methods for upscaling and transitioning the fabrication process to manufacturing.

7. Potential Commercial Application(s)(Limit 200 words)

The electrostatic self-assmbly process may be used to form a variety of high performance thin film materials and devices integrated directly onto structural and other functional components, including instrumentation filters. Low-cost ESA processing will allow the manufacturing of competitive aerospace optical, electronic, optoelectronic, sensor and actuator materials, devices and integrated function structures.