Product Introduction
The Silicon Carbide (SiC) Mirror is a high-performance optical component designed for applications
that require exceptional rigidity, thermal stability, and optical
precision. Fabricated from advanced SiC ceramics, these mirrors
combine ultra-lightweight structure with superior mechanical strength and excellent thermal conductivity, making them ideal for aerospace optics, astronomical telescopes,
laser systems, and semiconductor equipment.
Compared with traditional glass or metal mirrors, SiC mirrors exhibit outstanding dimensional stability across a wide
temperature range and allow precise optical performance even under
extreme environmental conditions such as vacuum, cryogenic, or
high-temperature operation.
Manufacturing Principle
Silicon carbide mirrors are produced using CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or reaction-bonded sintering (RB-SiC) techniques.
Base Material Formation: Fine SiC powder is shaped into a lightweight substrate through
precision molding or additive manufacturing.
Sintering and Densification: The substrate is sintered under high temperature to achieve
near-theoretical density and superior rigidity.
CVD SiC Coating: A thin CVD SiC layer is deposited to enhance surface smoothness
and reflectivity while maintaining high hardness and corrosion
resistance.
Precision Polishing: The mirror surface is polished to achieve nanometer-level
roughness (Ra < 1 nm), ensuring exceptional optical accuracy.
This hybrid architecture (RB-SiC + CVD SiC) combines the advantages
of low mass, high stiffness, and optical-grade surface finish.
Key Advantages
Ultra-Lightweight Design: High stiffness-to-weight ratio enables thinner and larger mirrors
with reduced mass.
Excellent Thermal Conductivity: Rapid heat dissipation prevents distortion caused by temperature
gradients.
High Specific Stiffness: Maintains optical figure accuracy under dynamic or vibration
environments.
Superior Surface Quality: Achieves mirror roughness below 1 nm RMS, suitable for UV,
visible, and IR wavelengths.
Chemical & Radiation Resistance: Stable in vacuum, radiation, and harsh chemical atmospheres.
Customizable: Available in flat, spherical, parabolic, and aspheric geometries.
Typical Applications
Space and Astronomical Telescopes: Lightweight mirrors for satellite and deep-space observation
systems.
High-Power Laser Optics: Reflective optics in CO₂, YAG, and fiber laser systems.
Infrared Imaging Systems: Thermal imaging and long-wave IR reflection optics.
Semiconductor Processing: Optical components in lithography, inspection, and wafer alignment
systems.
Defense and Aerospace Systems: Precision mirrors for targeting, scanning, and beam steering.
Technical Specifications (Typical)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Material | Reaction-bonded or CVD SiC |
| Density | 3.15 g/cm³ |
| Young’s Modulus | 410 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120–200 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) | 2.2×10⁻⁶ /K |
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | < 1 nm |
| Reflective Coating | Aluminum, Gold, or Protected Silver |
| Available Sizes | Ø10 mm to Ø1000 mm (customizable) |
FAQ
Q1: What are the main advantages of SiC mirrors over glass mirrors?
A1: SiC mirrors are much lighter, stiffer, and more thermally
stable, which allows for high-precision imaging and minimal
deformation in varying thermal environments.
Q2: Can SiC mirrors be used in cryogenic or vacuum systems?
A2: Yes. SiC performs excellently under extreme temperatures and
vacuum conditions, making it ideal for space and infrared optical
systems.
Q3: What surface coatings are available?
A3: Common coatings include protected aluminum, silver, and gold to
optimize reflectivity for specific wavelength ranges.
Q4: Are custom geometries supported?
A4: Yes. Mirrors can be produced as flat, spherical, parabolic, or
freeform surfaces depending on optical design requirements.
