Published
NJ's Quantum Coating helps NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
Helps agency reach milestone by coating mirrors with microscopically thin layer of gold
![](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/uploadedFiles/mirror_nasa%281%29.jpg;maxWidth=600)
Quantum Coating Inc. in Moorestown, N.J. helped NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reach a major milestone in its development by coating its mirrors with a microscopically thin layer of gold.
The coating was selected for its ability to properly reflect infrared light from the mirrors into the observatory’s science instruments. The coating allows the Webb telescope's "infrared eyes" to observe extremely faint objects in infrared light. Webb’s mission is to observe the most distant objects in the universe.
"Finishing all mirror coatings on schedule is another major success story for the Webb telescope mirrors," said Lee Feinberg, NASA Optical Telescope Element manager for the Webb telescope at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "These coatings easily meet their specifications, ensuring even more scientific discovery potential for the Webb telescope."
The Webb telescope has 21 mirrors, with 18 mirror segments working together as one large 21.3-foot (6.5-meter) primary mirror. The mirror segments are made of beryllium, which was selected for its stiffness, light weight and stability at cryogenic temperatures. Bare beryllium is not very reflective of near-infrared light, so each mirror is coated with about 0.12 ounce of gold.
Related Content
-
How to Choose Between Sulfate and Chloride-Based Trivalent Chromium
There are several factors to consider when choosing between sulfate and chloride-based baths for trivalent chromium plating. Mark Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the differences and what platers should keep in mind when evaluating options.
-
In-House Blackening of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Process satisfies customers’ shipping requirements while meeting stricter water regulations in times of drought.
-
Choosing and Troubleshooting Copper Electroplating Processes
Learn more on this inexpensive and highly efficient process.