135mm gold parabolic mirror LIDAR

Product Description

Rare Surplus 135mm Protected Gold-Coated Parabolic Mirror from Aircraft Wake Vortex LIDAR System

This is a high-precision, aviation-grade parabolic mirror originally used in a NASA/FAA research LIDAR system for detecting hazardous aircraft wake vortices. Featuring a protected gold coating optimized for infrared wavelengths, it offers exceptional performance for advanced laser, sensing, and research applications.

Key Specifications:

• Diameter: 135 mm (≈5.3 inches)

• Focal Length: ≈1270 mm (50 inches)

• Focal Ratio: f/9.4

• Coating: Protected Gold (>96–98% reflectivity, 800 nm – 20 µm)

• Figure: Concave on-axis parabolic with meniscus-shaped substrate

• Substrate: Low-expansion borosilicate glass

• Mount: Black anodized aluminum cell with side post for optical bench integration

Heritage & Performance:

• Origin: Aviation safety research LIDAR (similar to systems deployed at JFK, DFW)

• IR-Optimized: Gold coating maximizes efficiency for CO₂ lasers (10.6 µm) and near-IR systems

• Thermal Stability: Meniscus design ensures minimal distortion under thermal/mechanical stress

Applications:

• Laser & LIDAR: Collimation/focusing for CO₂ or near-IR laser systems; experimental LIDAR builds

• Infrared Optics: FTIR spectroscopy, thermal imaging (FLIR), scientific beam manipulation

• Niche Astronomy: Primary mirror for DIY infrared telescopes or planetary heat-signature imaging

• Research & Education: Demonstrating wake vortex physics or advanced optical sensing principles