This paper presents and discuss data obtained on a distribution of Al+MgF₂ and Al+LiF witness coupons that show substantial gains in reflectance in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) part of the optical spectrum (90−180 nm). These samples, which have dimensions of 2×2 inches, were coated at various locations inside a 2−me diameter coating chamber at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD (USA). These experiments were done to demonstrate a scale−up process for coating up to a 1−m diameter optic, and hence realize the gain in throughput that could be obtained for a telescope system that would employ such mirror coatings. These coatings have been optimized for Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm) or lower wavelengths and they are prepared with the deposition of the MgF₂ or LiF layers done at elevated (∼ 250 °C) temperature. These results will be compared to ambient or “cold” depositions. We will also present optical characterization of little-studied rare-earth fluorides, such as GdF3 and LuF3, that exhibit low absorption over a broad wavelength range and could therefore be used as high-index materials to produce dielectric coatings at FUV wavelengths.

Date Published: 24 July 2014
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 9144, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 91444G (24 July 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2057438

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9144:
Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray
Tadayuki Takahashi; Jan-Willem A. den Herder; Mark Bautz, Editor(s)