Future novel optical systems, for example for EUV lithography and spectroscopy or X-ray applications, must achieve high optical performance, resulting in stringent requirements on stiffness and stability of the mounted optics. On the example of silicon pore optics the combination of an isotropic composite ceramic material and silicon could meet these requirements. In this paper it will be shown that especially for space applications the combination of Cesic^(R) and silicon is advantageous, due to the excellent mechanical properties of Cesic^(R) being used for the structural elements. This combination is especially suitable due to the match of the low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between both materials. In such a way it is possible to develop, even with two different materials, a thermally stable system that can function as an optic even at cryogenic temperatures and does not require any adjustment mechanisms. This paper will discuss the material properties, present results on concrete applications for potential astrophysical science missions and show some conceptual designs and applications of this material combination for future space missions.

Date Published: 17 September 2007
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 6666, Optical Materials and Structures Technologies III, 66660M (17 September 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.734054

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6666:
Optical Materials and Structures Technologies III
William A. Goodman; Joseph L. Robichaud, Editor(s)