Für den weitesten Weg: Schichten im All

Abstract

SummaryFor the Longest Way: Thin Films in SpaceThin films for space application have to operate under extreme conditions, reworks or replacement of components in general is not possible. The main challenges are extreme temperatures, bombardment by energetic particles (ionizing radiation) and sometimes mechanical stress. The „toolbox“ of deposition processes ranges from Atomic Layer Deposition to low pressure plasma processes to electroplating.Due to its low specific weight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is an often used construction material for space applications. The uniform deposition of copper on CFRP waveguides for the RADAR antennas of the Sentinel satellites has been an impressive demonstration for the generation of functional surfaces on complex shaped 3D substrates by electrochemical processes. Sometimes optimal solutions require hybrid processes. A heat reflector on components for the BepiColombo mission investigating the Hermean environment has been realized by a combination of sputtering and electroplating.Systems in space often have to observe with high precision and therefore need „eagle eyes“. The continuous development of magnetron sputter technology during the past 10 years has enabled the deposition of optical interference systems with hundreds of individual layers and thickness precision in the ± 0,15 % range. As examples a beam splitter and a band pass filter for space missions are presented.