Ultra-lightweight C/SiC mirrors and structures

SiC ceramic mirrors and structures are becoming increasingly important for lightweight optomechanical systems that must work in adverse environments. A special form of SiC ceramic (C/SiC) has been developed under ESA contract which offers exceptional design freedom, due to its reduced brittleness and negligible volume shrinkage during processing. This new material has already been used to produce ultralightweight mirrors and monolithic reference structures for eventual space application. (Author)