Ultra Low Reflectance Black Silicon for Visible to IR Light Absorption

Matter Intelligence proposes the development of ultra-low reflectance black silicon for visible to infrared light absorption, addressing the NASA SBIR 2025 solicitation (S12.01) on Exoplanet Detection and Characterization Technologies. This innovation aims to improve diffraction control in coronagraphs, critical for achieving the <1e-10 contrast required for direct imaging and spectral characterization of Earth-like exoplanets by NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The proposed effort will optimize cryogenic etching techniques to achieve broadband reflectance below 0.1% from 0.4µm to 20µm, leveraging prior advancements from the Roman Space Telescope's Coronagraph Instrument (CGI). Phase I funding will support process optimization, sample fabrication, and independent reflectance validation, ensuring compatibility with future flight instruments. The target markets include NASA, astrophysics research institutions, and commercial optical applications requiring advanced light absorption technologies.
Benefits: Matter Intelligence’s ultra-low reflectance black silicon technology directly supports NASA’s mission directives in astrophysics by advancing diffraction control in coronagraphs for exoplanet detection. This innovation will enhance the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) by improving starlight suppression, enabling the spectral characterization of Earth-like exoplanets with contrast levels <1e-10. It builds on heritage from the Roman Space Telescope’s Coronagraph Instrument (CGI), addressing the critical need for improved light absorption materials. Beyond astrophysics, this technology can benefit NASA’s Earth science missions by reducing stray light in imaging spectrometers, enhancing data accuracy for climate and atmospheric studies. Additionally, it supports planetary science by improving instrument performance for missions requiring high-contrast imaging, such as future observatories and space telescopes designed to study distant celestial objects and planetary atmospheres. Matter Intelligence’s ultra-low reflectance black silicon has broad commercialization potential across multiple industries requiring advanced light absorption and stray light suppression. In defense and aerospace, it can enhance optical systems for surveillance, target tracking, and missile defense by improving sensor contrast and reducing optical noise. The semiconductor industry can leverage this technology for advanced photolithography and high-efficiency infrared detectors. In commercial optics, it benefits high-performance cameras, telescopes, and spectrometers used in scientific research, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, applications in LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging for autonomous vehicles, remote sensing, and industrial inspection can improve signal clarity and accuracy. By providing a scalable, durable, and high-performance solution, this technology addresses critical needs in precision optics, sensing, and imaging markets.