Optical materials for space applications

Optical materials are key components for scientific instruments in space missions. SCHOTT is providing optical materials for space applications since many years. The most current example are radiation resistant optical glasses for the OSIRISRex Camera Suite OCAMS. SCHOTT optical glasses offers high homogeneity and transmittance even for extreme optical positions to enable lowest wavefront distortions in scientific instruments. Optical materials have to withstand harsh environment, many kinds of different radiation and extreme temperature changes. Radiation resistant glasses do not change transmittance properties by gamma or electron radiation. Measurements on chalcogenide glass (IRG), used as lens material for infrared applications from part of the visible to infrared, indicate a very high radiation resistance. Lead containing radiation shielding glass used for nuclear power plants can be used as a window to protect sensitive optics in harsh environments of space applications. This paper gives an overview of the different materials and aspects.