Design, fabrication, and test of a meter-class reaction bonded SiC mirror blank

Eph Tobin; Matthew B. Magida; Stanley J. Kishner; Michael H. Krim

doi:10.1117/12.225291

23 October 1995 Design, fabrication, and test of a meter-class reaction bonded SiC mirror blank

Eph Tobin, Matthew B. Magida, Stanley J. Kishner, Michael H. Krim

Proceedings Volume 2543, Silicon Carbide Materials for Optics and Precision Structures; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.225291
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The potential for using silicon carbide as an optical substrate has been recognized for a number of years. The primary characteristics silicon carbide offers relative to other more traditional materials include high stiffness, high toughness, low toxicity, low thermal distortion and potential cost and schedule advantages. These attractive properties become accentuated as the size of the mirror blank increases, especially when considering space borne applications. In this paper, we report on the continuing development of silicon carbide for use in large lightweight mirror applications. In particular we describe the design, fabrication and testing of a 0.8 multiplied by 1.1 meter open backed, 'egg-crate' reaction bonded silicon carbide mirror blank. Several process demonstration (sub-scale blank fabrication repeatability and optical finishing) and material evaluation (coefficient of thermal expansion, modulus of rupture, and chemistry) tasks were performed to initiate a database for future optical designs and evaluation. Finally, the results of cryogenic testing of the blank are presented. All of the silicon carbide blank fabrication work in support of this program was performed by Carborundum Specialty Products. The results indicate that reaction bonded silicon carbide is an excellent material for large lightweight mirror substrates.

Citation Download Citation

Eph Tobin, Matthew B. Magida, Stanley J. Kishner, and Michael H. Krim "Design, fabrication, and test of a meter-class reaction bonded SiC mirror blank", Proc. SPIE 2543, Silicon Carbide Materials for Optics and Precision Structures, (23 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.225291

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