Oxidation-Resistant Surfaces For Solar Reflectors

Thin films on silver provide highly-reflective, corrosion-resistant mirrors. Study evaluated variety of oxidation-resistant reflective materials for use in solar dynamic power system, one that generates electricity by focusing Sunlight onto reciever of heat engine. Thin films of platinum and rhodium deposited by ion-beam sputtering on various substrate materials. Solar reflectances measured as function of time of exposure to radio-frequency-generated air plasma. Several protective coating materials deposited on silver-coated substrates and exposed to plasma. Analyzed before and after exposure by electon spectroscopy for chemical analysis and by Auger spectroscopy.