Main objective of the study was to increase the TRL from 4 to 5 of Printed Athermal Mirrors (PAM) inclusive demonstration with representative mirror designs
 

Achievements and status: 

• Identification and selection of representative mirror applications (laser communication, earth observation)
• Design and verification of optimal lattice designs for optical mirrors, inclusive cleanliness concept
• Transfer of AlSi40 printing from a lab machine to an industrial machine
• Mixed topology optimization process for mirror design (optimal distribution of bulk and lattice material)
• Design, manufacturing and verification of an optical mirror with significant reduction of mass and increased stiffness-to-mass ratio
• Extended material characterization tests (CTE, thermal stability) via thermal cycling (~90 cycles)  no demonstration of thermal stability achieved

Benefits: 

• Using optimized internal lattice structure design and topology optimization resulted in a significant reduction of mass and an increase of the stiffness-to-mass ratio
• However, thermal stability could not be demonstrated after ~ 90 cycles  requires optimization of material parameters and/or printing process