Cryogenic performance and long-term stability of metal optics and optical systems

Joseph L. Robichaud; Dexter Wang; Andrew A. Mastandrea

doi:10.1117/12.317261

21 August 1998 Cryogenic performance and long-term stability of metal optics and optical systems

Joseph L. Robichaud, Dexter Wang, Andrew A. Mastandrea

Proceedings Volume 3354, Infrared Astronomical Instrumentation; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317261
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

In order to increase throughput and maximize sensitivity the next-generation of astronomical instrumentation is moving toward cryogenic, all-reflective, off-axis optical design solutions. These off-axis systems require mirrors which are produced with complex conic sections, demand a thermal optical performance at cryogenic temperatures, and must support lifetimes on the order of 5-10 years. SSG specializes in the design, development, fabrication and testing of off-axis, all-reflective optical systems, having produced > 40 such systems over the last 20 years. The majority of these system have been produced using nickel plated aluminum mirror substrates and aluminum metering structures in order to obtain a passively systems has long been a point of debate. In this paper we demonstrate the long term stability of nickel plated aluminum optics by presenting interferometric test data obtained on > 10 optical elements over a period of 10 years. Cryogenic stability is demonstrated by presenting system level wavefront data obtained over a wide thermal range down to 115K. In addition, we will present thermal test data obtained from a number of alternate metal optical materials: beryllium, bare aluminum, and aluminum/beryllium alloys.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph L. Robichaud, Dexter Wang, and Andrew A. Mastandrea "Cryogenic performance and long-term stability of metal optics and optical systems", Proc. SPIE 3354, Infrared Astronomical Instrumentation, (21 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317261

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