Avantier's lightweight Zerodur mirrors have outstanding optical stability due to their Zerodur substrate, a glass ceramic with a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than conventional glass varieties. This near-zero expansion makes the mirrors excellent for situations where temperature swings require consistent accuracy and reliability.
Light Weight Zerodur Mirror. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Intentional material reduction reduces their weight, while stiffness is maintained for peak performance. These mirrors are excellent in dynamic or fluctuating settings as they can reach thermal equilibrium faster than solid versions.
Reflectivity is improved with a variety of metallic coatings, including enhanced aluminum (typically with magnesium fluoride protection for broadband usage) and high-performance silver mirrors. Broadband dielectric coatings provide remarkable reflection within specified wavelength bands. Avantier guarantees regulated surface quality for all of its mirrors.
The resulting lightweight mirror can be used in scanning instruments or aerospace platforms where inertia and load are crucial. Despite its lighter weight, Zerodur’s intrinsic stability guarantees that Avantier’s mirrors retain their accurate optical figure and performance.
Avantier uses precise metallic coatings to turn this extremely stable Zerodur substrate into a highly functioning mirror. There are several choices, all of which are tailored for particular wavelength ranges.
Improved aluminum coatings provide excellent broadband reflectivity in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Protective layers like magnesium fluoride can further strengthen these coatings for greater oxidation resistance and endurance.
Avantier provides silver mirror coatings, which work exceptionally well, particularly in the infrared, for applications needing even greater reflectivity within certain spectral bands.
Applications of Light Weight Zerodur Mirrors
With their exceptional thermal stability and low mass, lightweight Zerodur mirrors have become indispensable in a variety of high-tech industries:
- High-Precision Metrology and Measurement
- Inertial Navigation Systems (Ring Laser Gyroscopes)
- Adaptive Optics
- Scientific Research Instruments
- Astronomy and Space Telescopes
- Semiconductor Manufacturing (Lithography)
- Laser Optical Equipment Satellite Optical Systems (Earth Observation & Reconnaissance)
Factory Standard
Source: Avantier Inc.
| |
|
| Dimensions |
Diameter 150 mm
Center thickness 40 mm |
| Material |
Zerodur (microcrystalline glass) |
| Weight |
0.5 kg |
| Coating |
Protected silver |
Light Weight Zerodur Mirror. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Light Weight Zerodur Mirror. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Avantier offers broadband dielectric coatings on Zerodur substrates for particular applications that need peak reflectivity over a wide spectral range. These precisely constructed multilayer coatings can reach reflectances of more than 99 % over wide wavelength ranges, pushing the limits of optical efficiency.
Customizable Lightweight Zerodur Mirrors
Avantier’s lightweight Zerodur mirrors combine great thermal stability with high reflectivity. Their ability to endure temperature swings while retaining accurate optical properties makes them highly useful across a range of demanding applications.
In addition to the standard offerings, Avantier can deliver customized options to match the specific needs of each customer. Avantier is aware that every application may have unique requirements and specifications that must be satisfied.
Avantier is a trusted partner for custom lightweight Zerodur Mirrors.