Project Title:

Compact Spaceflight Solution Crystal-Growth System

92-1-15.01-0688                                                   NAS03-26548
Compact Spaceflight Solution Crystal-Growth
     System
Metrolaser
18006 Skypark Circle, #108
Irvine, CA  92714-6428
James D. Trolinger                                   (714-553-0688)

Abstract:

     The goal of this project is to develop a small, instrumented,
self-contained crystal growth system that will allow for greater
access to microgravity than is provided by currently available
crystal growth research cells. The project will make use of
advanced instrumentation technology to develop a versatile,
miniaturized growth-monitoring instrument which will be valuable
in both space and ground experimentation. The system will be
designed to make use of space shuttle in the middeck lockers and
in units referred to as "GAS Cans" located in the bay. These units
would require a relatively short manifest time, whereas currently
available crystal research chambers can only be operated in the
spacelab with years of advance planning. By incorporating
knowledge gained from previous spacelab work to simplify and
specialize the design, valuable microgravity time can be regularly
accessed and at low cost. This new design could lead to the early
commercial production of optical materials possessing properties
that cannot be produced in earthbound crystal growth chambers.
Phase I will produce a bench mock-up that will be used to test
instrumentation concepts and determine the feasibility of
implementation in the space shuttle. The work will be performed
with the Alabama A&M University.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This project will result in a
more accessible, lower cost, solution crystal growth chamber that
will greatly increase its access to microgravity for crystal
production, result in commercial production in larger quantities
of certain nonlinear optical materials, and produce
instrumentation spin-offs that can also be used in earthbound
experimentation for crystal growth.

                                     ***