SiC Optics
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SiC Optics
| Silicon carbide (SiC) is the ideal mirror substrate material, with superior physical properties including high-hardness, high strength and high thermal conductivity. These characteristics are superior to glass, glass-ceramics and metals used for reflective optics systems. |
| Unlike glass and glass ceramics, SiC can be formed into complex 3D structures, allowing for the efficient manufacture of integrated opto-mechanical assemblies and ultra-lightweight optics. Mirrors with areal densities lower than 10 kg/m2 have been manufactured and tested which are able to maintain surface figure better than conventional designs that weigh much more. Lighter optics enable lighter support structures, lighter instruments and faster, more dynamic systems. The cost savings associated with lightweight SiC optics can be enormous. |
| In the past 5 years, material suppliers have developed several new processes for rapidly and economically generating complex shapes out of SiC. Not only do these structures have superior mechanical properties to conventional materials they often compete in terms of schedule and price as well – especially for optical substrates over 12”. |
RAPT Industries has the practical experience to make SiC a realistic and affordable option for your demanding opto-mechanical requirements:
- We design each mirror tailored to the strengths of each manufacturer’s materials and capabilities.
- We can expedite the SiC mirror blank fabrication process.
- We can finish these optics faster than any other optics fabricator using our proprietary manufacturing processes.
- We can select the best coating in terms of cost, performance and schedule.
- We test each finished optic, ensuring that it meets or exceeds the required specifications.
For your SiC optics needs and questions, contact us at sales@raptindustries.com |
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