Why silicon for telescope mirrors and structures?

Roger A. Paquin; Douglas R. McCarter

doi:10.1117/12.824887

21 August 2009 Why silicon for telescope mirrors and structures?

Proceedings Volume 7425, Optical Materials and Structures Technologies IV; 74250E (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824887
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Single crystal silicon (SCSi) is light, strong, has excellent thermal properties, is readily available and cost and delivery are competitive with, and probably better than, either beryllium or silicon carbide. In addition, SCSi's zero-defect crystal structure enables polishing to near-perfect surfaces. Recent developments in direct bonding have led to simple methods of attaching SCSi, a brittle material, to enhance its high compressive strength and avoid tensile/brittle failures. Dynamic testing of a bonded assembly has demonstrated high resonant frequencies and damping capacity. Other recent test results have shown the excellent temporal and thermal stability of both monolithic and bonded mirror specimens. So why not choose silicon?

Citation Download Citation

Roger A. Paquin and Douglas R. McCarter "Why silicon for telescope mirrors and structures?", Proc. SPIE 7425, Optical Materials and Structures Technologies IV, 74250E (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824887

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