Degradation of low scatter mirrors by particle contamination
Abstract
Mirrors with very low scattering optical surfaces are being used in space borne IR sensors. Dust particles depositing on the surface of these low scatter mirrors can cause an increase in the amount of radiation scattered. A study was made to determine the effect of particle contaminant on the mirror scattering properties. Results of the scattering measurements were compared with predicted values, based on an assumed Lambertian distribution of the scattered radiation. Particles of sizes smaller than the incident radiation wavelength produced less scattered radiation than predicted; whereas, particles of the size or larger than the incident radiation wavelength produced more scattered radiation than predicted.
- Publication:
-
Final Report
- Pub Date:
- January 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975aro..rept.....Y
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Detectors;
- Mirrors;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- Wave Scattering;
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Mathematical Models;
- Molecular Beams;
- Optical Reflection;
- Satellite Tracking;
- Scattering Coefficients;
- Lasers and Masers