The development of beamsplitters having high efficiency, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and increased bandwidth is the goal of this project. This project will make both a prototype beamsplitter operating from 40 to 1000 microns and a beamsplitter operating from 160 to 4000 microns. It is anticipated that an increase of 200 to 800 percent increase will be made in the value of reflection time transmission. Other projected benefits include improved anti-reflection coatings and more efficient beamsplitters throughout the submillimeter region, faster data collection, and fewer splices needed between data sets. These beamsplitters will be used in fast-Fourier, Michelson interferometers, and other broadband submillimeter equipment which support ground-based astronomy and satellite experiments.
Potential Commercial Applications:Commercial applications include far-infrared and submillimeter wavelength beamsplitters, interferometer beamsplitters, and broadband and antireflection coatings.
