Rare High-reflectivity Protected Gold-Coated IR Mirror

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer/Coater: Barr Associates, Inc.
• Description: Protected gold-coated mirror witness sample for NFOV F2 (fold/secondary mirror in narrow field of view telescope assembly)
• Excellent durability and environmental resistance (space-qualified level).
• Substrate: Likely fused silica or low-expansion glass for thermal stability in space/defense applications.
• Coating: High value Protected gold (gold metallic layer + thin dielectric overcoat) with gold-coated handling tabs/flaps – high reflectivity >96–98% from ~800 nm (NIR) to 20 µm (mid/far-IR)
• Size: ~50 mm X 38 mm ~8 mm thick
• P/N 804717 NFOV F2
• Shape: Octagonal substrate with gold handling tabs/flaps
• Condition: Pristine surplus – clean reflective surface with characteristic white/opaque appearance under diffuse light, gold tabs for handling

Why This Mirror Is Special

As the “F2” witness in an NFOV assembly, it supported high-resolution, narrow-field imaging in Lincoln Lab’s defense telescope projects (e.g., space object tracking or laser systems). Barr’s dielectric stacks are durable and space-qualified.

Versatile Applications

• IR Laser Alignment & Experiments – Beam steering for CO2 (10.6 µm), Nd:YAG (1.064 µm), or diode lasers in NIR/IR labs. High reflectivity and durability make it great for lab setups.
• Thermal Imaging / IR Optics Projects – Reflector in DIY FLIR cameras, blackbody calibration, or heat detection prototypes – reflects thermal radiation efficiently.
• Astronomy & Space Optics Demos – Fold mirror in IR telescope builds or educational models of space surveillance systems.
• Spectroscopy & Scientific Instruments – High-IR mirror for FTIR, Raman or custom spectrometers.
• Artistic Light Installations – Golden reflections create stunning effects under different lights.

Performance Highlights

Dielectric HR coatings from Barr provide superior reflectivity (>99% in optimized bands), durability, and low absorption and high laser damage threshold compared to metallic mirrors – essential for narrow-FOV telescopes needing maximum light efficiency and minimal scatter.