Description: To address the need for smaller, lighter, and less expensive optics for NASA instruments, a novel optical technology platform based on using additive manufacturing (AM) of custom-engineered nanocomposite materials will be demonstrated. It will be shown that custom optical materials with precise index and dispersion values that can be used to fabricate aberration-free freeform gradient index (GRIN) optics, allowing for the creation of compact optical systems with fewer optical elements to be realized in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectral regions. The ability to synthesize and deposit composite blends of optical feedstock with precise optical properties, and the drying and densification processes will be demonstrated. The goal is to create fully inorganic freeform GRIN optics with the precise optical properties required for NASA instruments.

Benefits: Applications include space exploration, remote sensing, astronomy, and Earth observation. In space exploration, they improve the performance of telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras. In remote sensing, they enhance the accuracy of measurements for atmospheric, land, and ocean studies. In astronomy, they enable high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of distant objects. In Earth observation, they improve imaging and sensing capabilities for monitoring natural resources, climate change, and environmental hazards.

Markets for compact optics with reduced aberrations include consumer electronics, such as smartphones and augmented reality headsets, as well as medical devices for diagnostic and surgical applications, industrial inspection systems, metrology, and high-resolution microscopy, and in autonomous vehicles, LiDAR systems, and aerospace industries.