Zero Net Stress Coating Method for X-Ray Mirrors

X-ray mirrors formed with zero net stress are sought for next generation space optical systems.nbsp;nbsp; Existing thin film deposition methods such as sputtering or atomic layer deposition each have inherent difficulties in repeatedly achieving a zero stress state at reasonable cost and throughput.nbsp; Skyhaven Systems proposes to develop a deposition method to produce the desired mirror.nbsp; The method is fundamentally easy to apply, economical, and readily scaled.nbsp; The process is performed at ambient pressure and is expected to provide a uniform, smooth, and adherent coating.nbsp;The Phase I effort will lead to demonstrating the deposition method by producing an iridium mirror with negligible stress.nbsp; The coating will be evaluated for stress level, thickness, uniformity, surface roughness and adhesion. nbsp;nbsp;The Phase II effort is envisioned to: further improve and characterize the coating#39;s properties in terms of process capability and environmental stability, to scale the fabrication process, and to supply full-scale coated substrates to NASA for evaluation.