Paper 13100-234
Paper 13100-234
Protected silver coating for Ariel telescope mirrors: study of ageing effects
On demand | Presented live 20 June 2024 
Abstract
The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (Ariel), selected as ESA’s fourth medium-class mission in the Cosmic Vision program, is set to launch in 2029, to conduct spectroscopic observations of approximately one thousand exoplanetary atmospheres, enhancing our understanding of planetary system formation and evolution.
The complex telescope, an off-axis Cassegrain design, is constructed from Al 6061, optimized for visible and
infrared wavelengths. The mirrors, coated in cryogenic-resistant protected silver, are crucial for precise observations.
The qualification of the coating was performed according to the ECSS Q-ST-70-17C standard, on a set of Aluminum alloy Al 6061-T651 disks coated with protected silver, usually stored in ISO 6 cleanroom conditions.
This paper presents the results of the morphological characterization of the samples based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and the reflectivity measurement in the infrared by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Presenter
CNR-Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (Italy)
Paolo Chioetto obtained his MSc in Computer Engineering and his PhD in Sciences, Technologies, and Measurements for Space, both from the University of Padova. He is also a graduate of the MBA program at IESE Business School in Barcelona.
After several years of experience as a software engineer, project and account manager, he joined the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (CNR–IFN)-Padova as a researcher.
His research experience includes optical and opto-mechanical analysis and design, AIV management (Assembly, Integration, and Verification), optical simulations, characterization and calibration of optical instruments, optical metrology, characterization of optical coatings and data science. He also acquired extensive knowledge of space mission procedures and standards.
He has been actively involved in ESA’s Ariel mission since 2018 and he is currently holding the role of AIV Manager for the Telescope Assembly.