CVC SiC to Replace Beryllium Mirrors

CVC SiC is the best candidate material to replace beryllium; it has the highest thermal stability and is second only to beryllium in specific stiffness for all known optical materials. We propose within this program to reduce the cost and delivery times associated with beryllium mirror systems, as well as eliminate the beryllium-related health issues associated with processing and handling these components by utilizing our CVC process to fabricate high performance, lightweight silicon carbide optical mirrors. Within this program, we will optimize a CVC SiC mirror design for advanced missile defense systems. This effort will optimize the stability and performance of the mirror, while minimizing the areal density and overall weight of the mirror, mounting and controlling systems. The reduced weight of the optical device will correspond to a launch cost reduction in space and flight based platforms. Since the optical surface is composed of silicon carbide, the lifetime and range of operating environments can be extended. We will also apply the CVC SiC process to the production of structures suitable for mounting fixtures. The specific stiffness advantage of beryllium can be surmounted through the geometric flexibility provided by the CVC process, while retaining CVC SiC's superior thermal stability.