Advanced Large Area Deposition Technology for Astronomical and Space Applications

The article “Advanced Large Area Deposition Technology for Astronomical and Space Applications”, authored by Surface Optics Corporation’s Michael L. Fulton (R&D Engineer) and Richard S. Dummer (Coatings Lab Manager), describes SOC’s design of a unique 3.3 meter diameter chamber, equipped with an e-beam, resistance source, and Ion Assisted Deposition (IAD) system mounted on a movable stage. Under a large curved rotating substrate (2.1 meters diameter), the deposition stage is precisely translated in a sequence of discrete steps (in both the vertical and horizontal directions) to uniformly coat the optic. NASA’s Kepler primary mirror, for example, was successfully coated with protected silver (LLNL design) using this technology.