Abstract
Bare aluminum-coated mirrors in astronomical telescopes degrade over time after being exposed to their local environment. This degradation is caused by both molecular contaminants (e.g., organic films and inorganic chemicals) and particulates (e.g., dust) adhering to the mirror surface, and by tarnishing of the aluminum coating. The degradation leads to a decrease in mirror reflectivity, and an increase in the light scattering and infrared emissivity.
© 1994 Optical Society of America
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