Abstract

High-resolution medium-energy backscattering analyses have been performed on SiO and SiO₂ optical coatings that were exposed to the space environment aboard the NASA long-duration experiment module flight (LDEF). The data show an increase in areal density of 1% (resolved at the 10σ level) in the SiO film as a result of this exposure. It appears that this effect has been produced by the incorporation of atomic oxygen from the ambient environment. Data on the SiO₂ film are less compelling but are consistent with some loss of material from the surface. These analyses set a new Standard for profiling film thicknesses by ion backscattering.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

Low earth orbit environmental effects on osmium and related optical thin-film coatings

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