Resistance investigation of diamond-like carbon coatings to cyclic temperature changes

Abstract

Optical elements used in outer space must be designed considering the effects of such factors as space vacuum, atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit, solar and space radiation, large temperature drops, gas release of spacecraft materials and structural elements, space dust and debris. In order to harden and protect mirror surfaces of optical elements from external factors, it has been promisingly applied diamond-like carbon coatings on their surface. These coatings are characterized by high strength and wear-resistant properties, in particular, high hardness, low friction coefficient, high wear resistance and chemical inertness. This leads to their widespread use in various fields of science and technology, including optical instrumentation. This paper presents the results of testing an aluminum mirror with a diamondlike carbon coating under the effect of cyclic temperature changes for determining their ability to withstand a rapid cyclic ambient temperature change, and specifically, to maintain optical and mechanical properties.