Silicon carbide components for optics: present and near future capabilities

Abstract

BOOSTEC has pioneered, since its creation in 1999, the market of space optics made of ceramics (silicon carbide). BOOSTEC has recently delivered the Herschel space telescope, which is, with its 3.5 m diameter mirror, the largest space telescope ever made in the world. The following paper will review the current status of high performing silicon carbide components for space optics. It will then focus on the new possibilities under development, like focal planes and complex systems. It will finally highlight new areas of development for material, process, and applications.