Rugged dark materials for stray-light su

摘要

Abstract: A new approach to darkening surfaces for suppressing stray light in optical systems is to microscopically texture a metal surface directly with light- trapping pores and cones. This leaves a sturdy but light-absorbing surface that is ideal for controlling stray light in space-based telescopes. Enhanced ruggedness is particularly needed to survive challenging conditions without generating debris or contaminants that can disable sensor components. Several ion bombardment configurations, including seeded ion beams and plasma immersion extraction, can produce these microscopic textures without the fragile interfaces characteristic of coatings and anodization. Experiments have identified key process parameters controlling feature size, spacing, and their resulting optical effects. Performance has been evaluated at arbitrary wavelengths by reflection and scattering (THR, BRDF). Both broad and narrow absorption bands can be engineered. Textured metal light absorbers are quite versatile and easily tuned to each application by simply adjusting a process parameter (typically substrate temperature). Required hardware can fit on a table top, for small telescope components, anyway. Thus, it could easily be incorporated into production lines.!7