Poly(2-Methyl 1-Pentene Sulfone) (PMPS) as a Potential Oxidation Retardant for Aluminum Mirrors for Space Telescopes

Brigham Young University Engineering Building, Provo, UT

The reflectivity of aluminum mirrors, essential for capturing high-quality far-ultraviolet (FUV) images in space telescopes, is compromised by oxidation caused by exposure to Earth's atmosphere. Barrier coatings like magnesium fluoride can protect aluminum but still permit slow oxidation over time. To address this, we propose using photodegrading polymer films, which depolymerize under UV light in a vacuum, as a protective coating for aluminum mirrors until they exit Earth's atmosphere. Our research focuses on Poly(2-methyl 1-pentene sulfone) (PMPS), which depolymerize when exposed to ultraviolet light in vacuum, ensuring stability until reaching space.