Image from Adding EUV reflectance to aluminum-coated mirrors for space-based observation, Proc. SPIE 10398 (2017).
Faculty: David Allred, Richard Vanfleet
Future space telescopes such as NASA’s planned Habitable Worlds Observatory need mirrors that reflect well deep into the far ultraviolet. We make and test aluminum mirrors protected by thin fluoride layers (LiF, MgF2, AlF3), including coatings passivated with XeF2, and study how they hold up to humidity, oxidation, heat and the protective polymer films used during handling. Related work covers particulate contamination near starshade edges and a compact tabletop extreme-ultraviolet source for imaging.
Selected Publications
- Far-ultraviolet optical properties and performance of physical vapor deposited aluminum mirrors protected with XeLiF and XeMgF2, J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst. 11, 042209 (2025)
- Polarization properties of Xe-LiF-coated aluminum mirror samples, J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst. 12, 041004 (2026)
- Stability of XeF2 passivated Al plus LiF as possible coating for HWO, Proc. SPIE 13100, 131000K (2024)
- Effect of the repeated application of First Contact™ polymer on xenon-difluoride passivated lithium fluoride on aluminum surfaces for space telescopes, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 43, 043408 (2025)
- Enhanced far ultra-violet optical properties of physical vapor deposited aluminum mirrors through fluorination, Proc. SPIE 13093, 1309340 (2024)
- Stability of lithium fluoride thin films as a function of humidity and temperature, Proc. SPIE 12188, 121884M (2022)
- Oxidation of aluminum thin films protected by ultrathin MgF2 layers measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, OSA Continuum 4, 879 (2021)
- The effect of low-vacuum environments on particulate contamination near Starshade edge, Proc. SPIE 13628, 1362802 (2025)
- A compact tabletop extreme-ultraviolet source for polarization-sensitive ptychographic imaging, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 96, 083706 (2025)
Complete publication and student thesis lists for each professor are on the People and Publications page.