Effects of space exposure on ion-beam-deposited silicon-carbide and boron-carbide coatings.

Two recently developed optical coatings, ion-beam-deposited silicon carbide and ion-beam-deposited boron carbide, are very attractive as coatings on optical components for instruments for space astronomy and earth sciences operating in the extreme-UV spectral region because of their high reflectivity, significantly higher than any conventional coating below 105 nm. To take full advantage of these coatings in space applications, it is important to establish their ability to withstand exposure to the residual atomic oxygen and other environmental effects at low-earth-orbit altitudes. The first two flights of the Surface Effects Sample Monitor experiments flown on the ORFEUS-SPAS and the CRISTA-SPAS Shuttle missions provided the opportunity to study the effects of space exposure on these materials. The results indicate a need to protect ion-beam-deposited silicon-carbide-coated optical components from environmental effects in a low-earth orbit. The boron-carbide thin-film coating is a more robust coating able to withstand short-term exposure to atomic oxygen in a low-earth-orbit environment.

Performance of high-density cast silicon carbide in the extreme ultraviolet.

The normal-incidence reflectance of high-density cast silicon carbide (SiC) is evaluated in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectral region. High reflectivity in the EUV is achieved. High reflectivity and the relatively low-cost manufacturing process make high-density cast SiC a promising mirror material for EUV applications.

Long-duration orbital effects on optical coating materials.

We flew specimens of eight different optical coating materials in low earth orbit as part of the Long Duration Exposure Facility manifest to determine their ability to withstand exposure to the residual atomic O and other environmental effects at those altitudes. We included samples of Al, Au, Ir, Os, Pt, Al + MgF(2), Al + SiO(x), and chemical-vapor-deposited SiC, representing reflective optical applications from the vacuum ultraviolet through the visible portions of the spectrum. We found that the majority of the materials suffered sufficient reflectance degradation to warrant careful consideration in the design of future space-flight instrumentation.

Variability in the vacuum-ultraviolet transmittance of magnesium fluoride windows.

In the course of the development of a domed magnesium fluoride detector window for the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, slated to be a second-generation instrument aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, sample window materials from various commercial sources displayed a wide variability in vacuum ultraviolet transmittance. As a result a test program was undertaken in cooperation with the supplier of a prototype domed window to maximize transmittance. Results of the program have provided clues to the causes of the variations experienced, and they point to careful selection of raw materials and strict process control to achieve optimization.

Replication of Wolter lens components.

A concave paraboloid of revolution has been successfully replicated. Replication is done in two steps for which two aluminum forms are made. One form is a convex parabola on which the first generation replica is formed, and the other is a concave parabola in which the final replica is formed. Two final replicas were made. Optical tests showed that the replica figure was fully as good as that of the original and that scattering levels were not significantly different from those of the original. Some problems with cosmetic defects exist, but the process appears to be sound, and it is anticipated that Wolter lens components can be replicated at a fraction of the cost of originals.