Selecting the Right Coatings for Space
Key Takeaways
- Satellite telescope coatings must support wide spectral ranges (UV to LWIR) while enduring radiation, AO exposure, and thermal cycles.
- AR coatings for lenses and windows require high transmittance, environmental resistance, and minimal outgassing.
- Gold and silver reflective coatings are essential for high-efficiency IR mirrors in thermal imaging telescopes.
- AO-resistant layers like ALD-deposited Al₂O₃ or DLC are critical for LEO survivability.
Selecting the Right Coatings for Space: From UV to LWIR
Optimizing AR coatings, gold/silver mirrors, and atomic oxygen resistance for satellite telescopes
Satellite telescopes operate in one of the harshest environments in optical engineering—exposed to radiation, atomic oxygen, extreme thermal cycles, and broad spectral demands. From imaging Earth in the visible and near-infrared to observing celestial bodies in UV or thermal infrared, these instruments require coatings that ensure long-term performance, stability, and survivability.
1. Anti-Reflective (AR) Coatings for Multi-Band Performance
Maximizing optical throughput and minimizing ghosting in satellite telescopes requires high-performance AR coatings tailored to specific mission wavelengths. Whether for Earth observation, star tracking, or atmospheric analysis, broadband AR coatings are essential.- Deep UV to NIR Telescopes: Dielectric multilayers using materials like MgF₂, LaF₃, and Al₂O₃ are engineered for high transmittance and low absorption in vacuum conditions.
- Multispectral Imaging Systems: Custom AR coatings may be applied to complex optics, such as lenses in wide-field imagers or corrector plates in Ritchey–Chrétien configurations.