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Title: Innovative Precision Alignment, Stray Light Suppression Solutions for UV Space-Borne and Suborbital Missions
Abstract
This dissertation tackles three critical optical‑engineering challenges in ultraviolet astronomy instrumentation through targeted case studies. We developed a computer-generated hologram (CGH)‑based interferometric alignment procedure for the FIREBall‑2 balloon spectrograph, which was damaged during its 2018 flight. This method restored the optical elements to within their alignment tolerances and recovered image quality for the 2023 campaign. Next, for the Aspera SmallSat, we engineered a two‑stage baffle system—combining optimized vane geometries with Acktar Magic Black coatings—and demonstrated via non‑sequential ray‑trace simulations that it suppresses stray light to below the mission’s 0.3 counts /cm²/s¹ background budget. Finally, in the lab, we characterized an 800 gr/mm panel from a dual‑ruled grating intended for the SHEUVI spatial‑heterodyne spectrometer, measuring its ±1st‑order diffraction efficiencies at 589 nm to validate blaze performance and guide its application down to 105 nm. Together, these efforts advance methodologies for post‑integration alignment, stray‑light mitigation, and grating validation, strengthening the readiness of UV spectrographs for future suborbital and space missions.