Manufacturing of lightweight laser mirror substrates with low thermal expansion

The efficient manufacturing of light-weighted mirror substrates is an important technology for the optical industry. The presentation deals with the prerequisites for the production of such substrates with respect to material properties, as well as manufacturing technology. Different materials are being presented with special emphasis on low- and zero thermal expansion materials. Their material properties of importance for the production of light weighted mirror substrates are being compared. Further more possible light weighting strategies are compared regarding light weighting success, manufacturing effort, necessary manufacturing technology and therefore price impact. For the successful implementation of these manufacturing processes a demonstrator part is shown including the flatness results achieved.