• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.218-229
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• 2022

We have investigated reliable inspection methods for finding the defects generated during the manufacturing process of lightweight, large-aperture satellite telescope mirrors using silicon carbide, and we have measured the basic physical properties of the mirrors. We applied the advanced ceramic material (ACM) method, a combined method using liquid-silicon penetration sintering and chemical vapor deposition for the carbon molded body, to manufacture four SiC mirrors of different sizes and shapes. We have provided the defect standards for the reflectors systematically by classifying the defects according to the size and shape of the mirrors, and have suggested effective nondestructive methods for mirror surface inspection and internal defect detection. In addition, we have analyzed the measurements of 14 physical parameters (including density, modulus of elasticity, specific heat, and heat-transfer coefficient) that are required to design the mirrors and to predict the mechanical and thermal stability of the final products. In particular, we have studied the detailed measurement methods and results for the elastic modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and flexural strength to improve the reliability of mechanical property tests.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.74-83
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• 2022

The entire process, from the raw material to the final system qualification test, has been developed to fabricate a large-diameter, lightweight reflective-telescope system for a satellite observation. The telescope with 3 anastigmatic mirrors has an aperture of 700 mm and a total mass of 66 kg. We baked a silicon carbide substrate body from a carbon preform using a reaction sintering method, and tested the structural and chemical properties, surface conditions, and crystal structure of the body. We developed the polishing and coating methods considering the mechanical and chemical properties of the silicon carbide (SiC) body, and we utilized a chemical-vapor-deposition method to deposit a dense SiC thin film more than 170 ㎛ thick on the mirror's surface, to preserve a highly reflective surface with excellent optical performance. After we made the SiC mirrors, we measured the wave-front error for various optical fields by assembling and aligning three mirrors and support structures. We conducted major space-environment tests for the components and final assembly by temperature-cycling tests and vibration-shock tests, in accordance with the qualifications for the space and launch environment. We confirmed that the final telescope achieves all of the target performance criteria.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.60-68
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• 2022

We report on the design of the secondary and the tertiary mirrors used in lightweight assemblies made entirely of silicon carbide (SiC). The essential design points are weight reduction within the acceptable deformation of the mirror surface by gravity release, temperature change, and vibration during or after space launch. To find a design that achieves the target requirements, we established finite element models for various candidate designs and subjected each one to wave front error analyses along gravity directions and in operation temperatures. We also calculated the natural frequencies of the candidate assemblies. Our study suggested that a triangular cell with bipod flexure support can satisfy the target weight within the requirements.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.687-690
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• 2015

For research and development of Silicon Carbide (SiC) mirrors, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) and National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) have agreed to cooperate and share on polishing and measuring facilities, experience and human resources for two years (2014-2015). The main goals of the SiC mirror polishing are to achieve optical surface figures of less than 20 nm rms and optical surface roughness of less than 2 nm rms. In addition, Green Optics Co., Ltd (GO) has been interested in the SiC polishing and joined the partnership with KASI. KASI will be involved in the development of the SiC polishing and the optical surface measurement using three different kinds of SiC materials and manufacturing processes (POCO$^{TM}$, CoorsTek$^{TM}$ and SSG$^{TM}$ corporations) provided by NOAO. GO will polish the SiC substrate within requirements. Additionally, the requirements of the optical surface imperfections are given as: less than 40 um scratch and 500 um dig. In this paper, we introduce the international collaboration and interim results for SiC mirror polishing and development.