Optical Engineering
Applying Silicon Carbide to Optics
Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising optical material that offers several performance advantages over traditional optics. Due to its unique physical and thermal properties, it can be used for a wide range of applications—from large space-based telescope systems to small galvo mirrors.
Engineers prepare the 3.5-m SiC primary mirror of the Herschel Space Telescope, which is slated to launch in September 2008.
In general, silicon carbides have a low density, high modulus (stiffness), low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity. SiC is very hard, making it polishable to fine surface finishes (< 10 Å RMS).
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