Form 9.B Project Summary
Chron:
971420
Proposal
Number:
23.02-4137
Project Title:
Polyimide X-ray Filter Substrates
Optimized for Strength at Cryogenic
Temperatures
Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
New generation x-ray instruments for spacecraft
have very specialized requirements, notably
operation at cryogenic temperatures. The proposed
innovation is to produce polyimide films suitable for
use as x-ray filter substrates specifically optimized
for cryogenic applications. Earlier work by the
offeror showed that polyimide film strength (at
room temperature) was affected by the post-cast
processing or cure cycle. It is proposed to process
polyimide films using different cure cycles, and to
perform burst pressure (tensile strength) analyses
at 77, 15, and 4 Kelvin (K) on these films.
Cryogenic burst data will be compared to existing
burst data on Luxel-manufactured polyimide
developed for x-ray applications. Cryogenic burst
test data is presently not available for submicron
polyimide films. It is anticipated that Phase I will
demonstrate increased strength at cryogenic
temperatures for films processed using altered cure
cycles and that Phase II will permit further
optimization of films and processing parameters for
operation in the temperature range of 77 K to 4 K.
Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)
Targets (with thin film windows) utilized in Inertial
Confinement Fusion to be used at the National
Ignition Facility will be deployed at cryogenic
temperatures. Researchers in light element
analysis and kinetic studies could also utilize such
polyimide substrates as windows in their detectors.
Capacitive transducers could utilize polyimide as
dielectric membranes with metalized polyimides
serving as sonic energy emitters and receivers.
Dielectric multilayer stacks may be used in
microwave applications. Improved strength would
be useful in separation membranes and biosensor
membranes.
Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,
Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Heidi C. Hilfiker de Lopez
Luxel Corporation
P.O. Box 1879
Friday Harbor , WA 98250
Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/Zip)
Pamela Hollis
Luxel Corporation
P.O. Box 1879
Friday Harbor , WA 98250