I am looking for the thinnest possible infrared mirror. A thickness of about 100 micrometers would be ideal. Does anyone have an idea ? The coating should be on both sides and the mirror should be mechanically relatively stiff and heat-resistant (the light source gets up to 1000 K hot). Is there anything commercially available ? Many thanks in advance !
I think plates of CVD diamond may be the best choice for substrates of ultra thin IR mirrors.
http://usapplieddiamond.com/products/diamond-plates-sc-and-pc/
As concerns dielectric coatings able to withstand temperatures up to 1 kK - it is a problem.
Dear Michael,
In order to give you a useful answer I need some additional clarification regarding your issue.
What wavelength range are we talking about and what is the required spectral bandwidth? Do you need some transmission too? This is required to find the right material for your application.
The temperature is very high. Should the mirror be operated in vacuum or in air? Some materials will combust in air.
The mechanical stiffness needs to be high. What kind of mechanical load is expected?
Do you need to reflect a laser beam or diffuse ambient light? This is impotent to estimate the required smoothness of the surface.
Dear Karsten,
wavelength range would be around 3 - 15 micrometers, transmission should be zero. The mirror should be operated in air. Mechanical stiffness probably not too important, was thinking about a clamped stainless steel strip maybe ?
The light source is a thermal infrared emitter.
Kind regards,
Michael
Dear Michael,
As far as I see a metallic mirror would suite you best. Corrosion free steel would survive the temperatures in air, but the reflectivity is low and it would further darken in air. Gold can not be used as it is too close to its melting point.
To me it seems the best material would be platinum. The reflectivity is lower than for gold, but it can withstand a much higher temperature.
I know it is expensive, but I cannot see a better solution.
Dear Karsten, dear Mikhail,
Thanks for the helpful answers, I will have a closer look !
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