Enhanced MgF2 and LiF over-coated Al mirrors for FUV space astronomy

Manuel A. Quijada; Stephen Rice; Eric Mentzell

doi:10.1117/12.925579

13 September 2012 Enhanced MgF₂ and LiF over-coated Al mirrors for FUV space astronomy

Manuel A. Quijada, Stephen Rice, Eric Mentzell

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II; 84502H (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925579
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Astronomical observations in the far--ultraviolet (FUV) spectral region are some of the more challenging due to the very distant and faint objects that are typically searched for in cosmic origin studies such as origin of large scale structure, the formation, evolution, and age of galaxies and the origin of stellar and planetary systems. The problem is compounded by the very limited option of reflecting coatings to use at FUV wavelengths and the modest reflectivity offered by those coatings such as Al+MgF₂ [typically 82 % at Lyman-alpha, 1216 Α) that are used on reflecting surfaces of FUV instrumentation. Improved reflective coatings for optics, particularly in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, could yield dramatically more sensitive instruments and permit more instrument design freedom. This paper will present recent advances in reflectance performance for Al+MgF₂ mirrors optimized for Lymanalpha wavelength by comparing an ambient or ”cold” deposition with another where the deposition temperature for the MgF₂ layer is done at elevated temperatures. We will also consider this improved procedure for the deposition of LiF over-coated Al mirrors in order to realize similar reflectivity gains at even shorter wavelengths.

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Manuel A. Quijada, Stephen Rice, and Eric Mentzell "Enhanced MgF₂ and LiF over-coated Al mirrors for FUV space astronomy", Proc. SPIE 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II, 84502H (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925579

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