CO2 laser cutting of ultra thin (75 µm) glass based rigid optical solar reflector (OSR) for spacecraft application

Abstract

Present study reports for the first time laser cutting of multilayered coatings on both side of ultra thin (i.e., 75µm) glass substrate based rigid optical solar reflector (OSR) for spacecraft thermal control application. The optimization of cutting parameters was carried out as a function of laser power, cutting speed and number of cutting passes and their effect on cutting edge quality. Systematic and in-detail microstructural characterizations were carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques to study the laser affected zone and cutting edge quality. Sheet resistance and water contact angle experiments were also conducted locally both prior and after laser cut to investigate the changes of electrical and surface properties, if any.