Progress in very lightweight optics using graphite fiber composite materials

Peter C. Chen; Timo T. Saha; Andrew M. Smith; Robert C. Romeo

doi:10.1117/1.601866

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1 February 1998 Progress in very lightweight optics using graphite fiber composite materials

Peter C. Chen, Timo T. Saha, Andrew M. Smith, Robert C. Romeo

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Optical Engineering, 37(2), (1998). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.601866

We report progress in the fabrication of very low areal density (<5 kg/m2) optical mirrors using space-flight-qualified graphite-fiberreinforced cyanate ester composite materials. Previous attempts have been thwarted by fiber print-through at the surface. We find that the problem can be successfully overcome if the composite is processed to leave a very thin layer of resin at the surface. Results thus far include replicas with surface microroughness ,1 nm rms, midfrequency ripples <3 nm rms, areal density 2 kg/m2 at 42-cm aperture, and freedom from print-through after vacuum drying and ion milling. The process is being extended to the fabrication of very lightweight meter-class optics for space UV astronomy applications, x-ray optics, and other ground- and space-based applications.

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Peter C. Chen, Timo T. Saha, Andrew M. Smith, and Robert C. Romeo "Progress in very lightweight optics using graphite fiber composite materials," Optical Engineering 37(2), (1 February 1998). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.601866

Published: 1 February 1998

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