Ceramic Silicon Carbide Optical Material Development for Interceptor Telescope

The outlined application calls out a small form factor, IR reflective telescope with strong performance in harsh environmental conditions at high altitude endo/exo atmospheric conditions. Such a system, at its core, requires an optical substrate material that is strong, lightweight, thermally & mechanically stable, and highly resistant to hostile, man-made radiation effects. Upon surveying a wide range of potential materials for reflective mirror substrates including both metals and glass-based materials, SiC has been selected as the most promising candidate in terms of meeting most of the required technical and performance criteria. The proposed research and development project will investigate the production of optical-grade SiC material utilizing novel approach sintering ceramic technology which offers potential cost saving break throughs while maintaining the desired optical and technical performance. Innovations in optical fabrication, polishing, thin film coating, and assembly techniques using ceramic SiC optical substrates will also be explored. Approved for Public Release | 21-MDA-11013 (19 Nov 21)