Ultra-hydrophobic optical coatings as a means to lower outgassing

Space opto-mechanics require materials with low outgassing. With water vapor being a main component of outgassing, when changing the water adhesion of an optical coating, its outgassing potential changes as well. Acktar developed an ultra-hydrophobic light absorbing optical coating,and put it through the qualification process for space applications. The results were compared with other space qualified Acktar coatings, as they constitute the current industry standard. The new coating showed to have the lowest outgassing amongst Acktar’s coatings, while retaining all other physical and optical qualities. Additional presentation content can be accessed on the supplemental content page.