Investigation of the blistering and flecking effects materials of outer space factors on space optics

Heading: 
Space Materials and Technologies
1Abraimov, VV, 2Lura, F, 2Bohne, L, 1Velichko, NI, 1Markus, AM, 1Agashkova, NN, 3Mirzoeva, LA
1B.Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
2German Aerospace Research Establishment, Berlin, Germany
3Joint-stock company "State Optical Institute Name S. Vavilov ", St. Petersburg, Russia
Kosm. nauka tehnol. 1995, 1 ;(2):39–54
https://doi.org/10.15407/knit1995.02.039
Publication Language: Russian
Abstract: 
At present a variety of optical devices are being developed for monitoring the environmental conditions in the outer space. This requires investigation of the effects of space factors (SFs) on materials and scale models of optical devices. The authors have studied the effects of SFs on the scale model of an infrared telescope and its components (the lens and the baffle made of various materials). These studies were made on a simplified model of the infrared telescope. The scale model was irradiated under conditions quite similar to those of the outer space. Combined p+ + e~ irradiation was carried out with the energy E = 150—200 keV, a total fluence of 1016 cm~2 (equivalent to a year), as well as irradiation of the model with an artificial Sun and by VUV rays (/U 5—2500 nm).
          The structural and optical properties of the mirrors were investigated. The blistering effect was revealed, i. e., formation of a defect structure consisting of craters on the optics surface under bombardment by protons of the artificial and natural radiation belts of the Earth. Irradiation of the materials with 150—200 keV protons is absorbed by a 2 [im layer. Within this layer, protons recombine with electrons of the materials (p+ + e~ -» H) with formation of hydrogen atoms, e. g., the yearly dose of absorbed particles is D = = 1016 cm~2. As the irradiation dose increases, hydrogen is accumulated in spherical cavities. When the hydrogen pressure in the cavities becomes higher than the material strength, the material fails and hydrogen leaves the cavities, i. e., blistering takes place. The surface layer is thus eroded. A complicated structure appears on the surface as crater-like hemispherical defects 2—5 jum in diameter distributed uniformly. It has been shown experimentally that the proton fluence at which such defect structures form is 6-1015 cm~2, approximately equal to the annual equivalent dose. These defects, changing essentially the material surface properties, cause, in particular, decrease in the reflectivity both in the visible and the IR ranges.  
Keywords: blistering, flecking, space optics
Full text (PDF)
 
References: 
1. Abraimov V. V., Agashkova N. N., Budnjak I. V. et al. Influence of low temperatures, radiation and vacuum on physical deep-mechanical properties of polymer light-absorbing coatings. Physics and Chemistry of Materials Treatment, N 2, 26—29 (1992) [in Russian].
2. Abraimov V. V., Agashkova N. N., Solov'ev V. N. et al. Thermal stability of light-absorbing coatings in the temperature range 4.2-300 K. Physics and Chemistry of Materials Treatment, N 6, 83—87 (1989) [in Russian].
3. Abraimov V. V., Bocharov K. Sh., Galuza A. I., Udovenko V. F. Influence of electromagnetic radiation in the range 5 to 2500 nm mechanical and optical properties of certain polymeric materials. Radiation resistance organic materials in terms of space, P. 23—30 (NIITJe-HIM, Moscow, 1989) [in Russian].
4. Verkin B. I., Udovenko V. F., Abraimov V. V., Bocharov K. Sh. Influence of electromagnetic radiation in the range 0.01-25 microns on the mechanical properties of some polymeric materials. Kosmicheskaja nauka i tehnika, Is. 3, 54—57 (1988) [in Russian].
5. Vernov S. N. (Ed.) Modelling the impact of the space environment on materials and equipment of spacecrafts. In Space Model, Vol.2, 771 p. (NIIJaF MGU, Moscow, 1983) [in Russian].
6. Guseva M. I., Martynenko Yu.V. Radiation blistering. Uspehi fiz. nauk, 135, Is. 4, 671—691 (1981) [in Russian].
7. Markus A. M., Udovenko V. F. et al. Installation for complex works on radiation physics of solids. Instruments and Experimental Techniques, N 3, 211—213 (1986) [in Russian].
8. Martynenko Ju. V. Theory of blistering. - M .: Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, Moscow, 1979) [in Russian].
9. Abraimov V. V., Lura F., Bohne L., et. al. Untersuchung von Erscheinungen nichtlinearen Degradation der physikalisch-mechanischen Eingenschaften von Materialien unter dem Einfluss Kosmischer Umgebungsfaktor. Deutscher Luft und Raumfart Kongress DGLR, P. 80—91 (Berlin, 1993).
10. Das S. K., Kaminsky M. Radiation blistering of polycrystalline niobium by helium - ion implantation.  J. Appl. phys., 44 (1), 25—31 (1973).
11. Das S. K., Kaminsky M., et al. Correlation between blister skin thickness the maximum in the damage — energy distribution, and projected ranges of He+ ions in metals.  Appl. phys. Lett., 27 (10), 521—523 (1975).
12. Evans J. H. Formation of blisters in Mo bombarded with Helium.  Nature, 256 (5515), 299—300 (1973).

13. Primak W., Luthra J. Radiation blistering: Interferometric and microscopic observations of Oxides, Silicon, and Metals.  J. Appl. phys., 37 (6), 2287—2294 (1966).