Silver (Ag) excels as a metal-base for astronomical mirrors for its high reflectivity across the visible to infrared spectral range. However, Ag degrades quickly in an observatory environment, necessitating a protective coating like aluminum oxide (AlOx). Our study compares using water (H2O) and high-purity ozone (PO) as oxygen precursors for AlOx a protective coating on Ag using low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD). At ~80% purity, PO allows for higher quality films compared to that of H2O, while offering a reduced deposition time. After enduring high humidity high temperature (HTHH) testing, H2O samples showed a substantial reduction in reflectivity (~30%), while PO samples boasted a minimal reflectivity reduction (~12%). Ellipsometry revealed a 74 nm phase shift, compared to a 6 nm shift for H2O and PO respectively; indicating improved structural integrity. AFM and EDS analysis revealed H2O samples underwent erratic structural changes compromising integrity, while PO samples showed minimal structural change.
Silver-based astronomical telescope mirrors (Ag-mirrors) excels in their optical performance across the visible to infrared spectrum. However, without proper safeguarding, they degrade significantly in high temperature/humidity environmental durability tests. Our research explored low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) to prepare a 60 nm aluminum oxide (AlOx) protection coating for Ag-mirrors. We compared two oxygen precursors: water (H2O) and high-purity ozone (PO). PO, with over 80% purity, enables efficient ALD processes at lower temperatures, addressing challenges posed by H2O. During environmental tests, PO samples outperformed H2O samples. PO samples exhibited a minimal reduction (12%) in optical reflectance in comparison to H2O samples that showed substantial reduction (30%). Additionally, PO samples displayed a mere 6 nm phase shift in ellipsometry compared to 74 nm of H2O samples, indicating better structural integrity. Structural analysis revealed that H2O samples experienced erratic changes, compromising integrity, while PO samples maintained their original structure.
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