SKYVA

Vacuum Coating System for Large Astronomical Mirrors

Are you looking for a coating solution for large telescope mirrors? SKYVA coating systems were developed specifically for this application: they deposit homogeneous, highly reflective metal layers on large, curved substrates up to 8.4 m in diameter and are available in several chamber sizes. This enables scaling from small, through medium, to large aperture areas.

For maximum reflectance we rely on requirement-optimized ("enhanced") silver and aluminum coating systems. Silver offers the highest reflectance in the visible and near-infrared range but requires a precisely matched protective layer to ensure long-term stability and corrosion resistance. Aluminum provides very good reflectance across a broader spectrum including UV and is more robust in many applications.

SKYVA supports both coating materials — from "protected" or "enhanced" silver coatings to optimized, protected aluminum coatings — as well as multilayer systems that tailor reflectivity curves to your spectrum and ensure excellent layer uniformity even on curved surfaces.

Additionally, we offer the system optionally with a peripheral washing unit for cleaning the mirror prior to re-coating.

Reliable operation and mechanical stability are core design principles: robust chamber and mirror support systems, gentle substrate handling, low-particle process control and precise process monitoring ensure that optical properties remain reproducible and substrates are optimally protected. Together with suitable protective layers and stable process parameters, the systems are designed to maintain reflectance and mechanical integrity for decades — while offering simple maintenance and minimal risk during loading and unloading of large mirrors.

SKYVA provides automated process sequences with modern controls, intuitive visualization (HMI), recipe management, fault diagnosis and optional remote monitoring for reproducible results. The modular design allows different widths and interior heights as well as custom fixtures for your mirror geometries. We are happy to perform test coatings, technical evaluations and demonstrations to determine the best configuration for your requirements.

VON ARDENNE offers customized equipment solutions for your specific mirror sizes, including peripheral equipment such as mirror cleaning systems and measurement systems.

Would you like to learn more? Explore the content below or contact us.