Light Weight Zerodur Mirrors

Avantier’s lightweight Zerodur mirrors deliver exceptional optical stability thanks to their Zerodur substrate, a glass ceramic with a coefficient of thermal expansion a magnitude lower than most glass types. This near-zero expansion makes them ideal for applications where temperature fluctuations demand unwavering precision.

Weight is minimized through strategic material removal, while stiffness is maintained for optimal performance. These mirrors reach thermal equilibrium faster than solid designs and are ideal for dynamic environments.

Reflectivity is maximized with various metallic coatings, including enhanced aluminum (often with magnesium fluoride protection for broadband use) and high-performing silver mirror options. For specific wavelength ranges, broadband dielectric coatings offer exceptional reflection. Avantier ensures controlled surface quality for all its mirrors.

Avantier understands the importance of minimizing weight in critical optical systems. Our lightweight Zerodur mirrors are engineered to minimize mass without compromising performance. Through strategic material removal, these mirrors offer substantial weight reductions. The resulting lightweight structure is ideal for applications such as scanning apparatus or aerospace platforms where inertia and load are critical. Despite their reduced weight, the inherent stability of Zerodur ensures that Avantier’s mirrors maintain their precise optical figure and performance.

To transform this ultra-stable Zerodur substrate into a highly functional mirror, Avantier applies precision metallic coatings. A variety of options are available, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. Enhanced aluminum coatings deliver excellent broadband reflectivity across the visible and near-infrared spectrum, and may be enhanced with protective layers like magnesium fluoride for increased durability and resistance to oxidation. For applications requiring even higher reflectivity within particular spectral bands, Avantier offers silver mirror coatings, providing exceptional performance, especially in the infrared.

Applications of Light Weight Zerodur Mirrors

Lightweight Zerodur mirrors, leveraging the exceptional thermal stability of Zerodur and the benefits of reduced mass, find critical applications in diverse high-tech fields:

Astronomy and Space Telescopes
Semiconductor Manufacturing (Lithography)
Laser Optical EquipmentSatellite Optical Systems (Earth Observation & Reconnaissance)
High-Precision Metrology and Measurement
Inertial Navigation Systems (Ring Laser Gyroscopes)
Adaptive Optics
Scientific Research Instruments

Factory Standard

Dimensions	Diameter 150 mm Center thickness 40 mm
Material	Zerodur (microcrystalline glass)
Coating	Protected silver

For specialized applications demanding peak reflectivity across broad spectral regions, Avantier provides broadband dielectric coatings on Zerodur substrates. These meticulously designed multilayer coatings can achieve reflectivity exceeding 99% across extensive wavelength ranges, pushing the boundaries of optical efficiency.

Customizable Lightweight Zerodur Mirrors

Avantier’s lightweight Zerodur mirrors offer a compelling combination of exceptional thermal stability and high reflectivity. The ability to withstand temperature fluctuations while preserving precise optical characteristics makes them indispensable in a wide spectrum of demanding applications.

In addition to our standard offerings, we take pride in our ability to provide customized solutions to meet our customers’ unique requirements. We understand that each application may have specific demands and parameters that need to be addressed.

Avantier is your partner for custom lightweight Zerodur Mirrors. Contact us today for your next project.

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