Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices related to a radial mounting interface holding a compact monolithic telescope, or generally an optical component, with robust optical alignment. An example optical mounting apparatus includes a mounting structure including a plurality of segments that are configured to surround a circumferential area of a monolithic optical device and to hold the monolithic optical device in place, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes a ridged or a grooved interface surface to couple the mounting structure to corresponding grooves or ridges in a surface of the monolithic optical device. The apparatus further includes an elastomeric material confined between the ridged or grooved interface surface of the mounting structure and the one or more corresponding grooves or ridges in the surface of the monolithic optical device. Also disclosed are thermal management features that passively enable diffraction-limited performance of large aperture monolithic optics.

Abstract: Methods of forming joinery between components formed from dissimilar materials, and assemblies utilizing the joinery. The components include interface surfaces having complementary peaks and valleys that interlock. A compliant interface is formed between the interface surfaces and the interface can be configured to provide functionality.

Abstract: A semi-passive cooling system for a component exposed to a fluid flow utilizes a hierarchical vasculature and a sacrificial transpirant to cool the component. The component includes a body that defines a transpirant reservoir and the hierarchical vasculature. The transpirant is configured to transition between a solid phase and a vapor phase over an operating temperature range of the component.

Abstract: A composition includes a plurality of microparticles, where the microparticles comprise agglomerates of nanopowder, wherein the nanopowder includes a material selected from the following: a ceramic material, a metal, an alloy, a polymer, or a combination thereof. The microparticles are characterized by having an essentially spherical shape, nanograin features substantially identical to nanograin features of the nanopowder prior to formation into the microparticles, and a nanoscale porosity defined by the nanograin features. The plurality of microparticles have an essentially uniform size relative to one another. Moreover, the composition has flowability having a Hausner Ratio representing tapped density:bulk density less than 1.25.