Optical and re-emission behavior of silicone contaminants affected by UV irradiation with different wavelength ranges

Abstract

Molecular contamination by outgassing can degrade the performance of optical components. In orbit, spacecraft are exposed to various environments. UV is one of the most critical. It may also have the potential to cut the chains of organic molecules in contaminants due to its high energy, degrading optical properties and even re-emission behavior. In the present study, using two kinds of UV sources with different wavelength ranges, we compare the effect of UV lights irradiated on an optical surface with silicone contaminants. The irradiated samples were evaluated in terms of their optical properties and re-emission behavior, i.e. transmittance, and thermal desorption.