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