Advanced SiC Mirror Subsystem for STSS

In previous work, Silicon carbide (SiC) mirrors have demonstrated excellent optical performance and SiC mirror fabrication processes are well known. However, for maximum optical system performance it is critically important to have the mirror and the optical bench made of the same material. POCO’s unique SuperSiC® material offers all the advantages of SiC, with a production process that enables affordable and repeatable fabrication on complex SiC optical benches. Previous POCO efforts have focused on the design and fabrication of complex silicon carbide optical structures. Attachment of SiC-to-SiC and SiC-to-metal has been identified as the next step towards adopting SiC for optical systems. The goal of POCO’s program is to define, develop, and validate precision attachment methods that will enable the widespread use of SiC as a substitute for beryllium in high performance optics. POCO will team with Raytheon and Ball Aerospace to further develop our unique SiC technology for broad benefit to large, space-based optical systems. The effort will develop novel methods and demonstrate the precision mechanical attachment of SiC to other SiC components and components of other materials. This proposed program will directly support on-going POCO programs to design and demonstrate an all-SiC, cryogenic optical telescope assembly (OTA).