Rapid Mirror Fabrication with Nanolaminate Surface

The objectives of the Phase I work are: 1) to demonstrate the fabrication of a small scale (~2 inches) replicated hybrid/composite mirror assemblage, based on the SiC/Si3N4 nano-laminates and 2) to measure the optical qualities of the mirror surface. The proposed replication technique is capable of providing fast and low-cost production of the high optical surface finish of large mirrors. The ceramic nano-laminate mirror deposition will be accomplished through magnetron sputtering technique. The nano-laminate mirror will be bonded to the SiC substructure using a negative CTE nano-powder reinforced geopolymer bonding phase and the entire hybrid/composite mirror system will be removed from a polished mandrel. The optical measurement (e.g., surface micro-roughness) of the mirror surface after being replicated from the mandrel will be carried out. The bond strength of the negative CTE nano-powder reinforced geopolymer will be measured through indirect means (e.g., SiC/SiC sandwich). The mechanical properties (strength and toughness) of SiC/Si3N4 nano-laminates will be also measured.