CERAFORM SiC: roadmap to 2 m and 2 kg/m2 areal density

Mark A. Ealey; John A. Wellman; Gerald Q. Weaver

doi:10.1117/12.284709

28 July 1997 CERAFORM SiC: roadmap to 2 m and 2 kg/m²areal density

Mark A. Ealey, John A. Wellman, Gerald Q. Weaver

Proceedings Volume 10289, Advanced Materials for Optics and Precision Structures: A Critical Review; 1028906 (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284709
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

First and foremost, an optical material must be able to be cost effectively made to the desired size and shape and then be polished to optical tolerances. Over the past 15 years, reaction bonded silicon carbide has been scaled from 2 inches to 1.2 meters, improved in finish from 100 Å to 10 Å and been reduced in areal density from 40 kg/m² to 10 kg/m². Its low thermal distortion, high stiffness, high optical quality, and its dimensional stability make CERAFORM SiC ideal for applications such as high energy laser mirrors, space-borne cryogenic mirrors, fast response scan mirrors, and high heat flux applications. In addition CERAFORM SiC products are fabricated using a cost-effective, net shape, fugitive core casting process which can be used to make complex, open or closed back, lightweight substrates. Silicon carbide is unique in that it is competitive with beryllium as a structural material, glass as an optical material, and Invar or graphite-epoxy as a metering material. This paper details the progress that has been made towards scaling facilities and optics to 2-meters and 2 Kg/m² areal density.

Citation Download Citation

Mark A. Ealey, John A. Wellman, and Gerald Q. Weaver "CERAFORM SiC: roadmap to 2 m and 2 kg/m²areal density", Proc. SPIE 10289, Advanced Materials for Optics and Precision Structures: A Critical Review, 1028906 (28 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284709

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