Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

The Evolution of Silica Nanoparticle-polyester Coatings on Surfaces Exposed to Sunlight
Published on: October 11, 2016
Evolution of optical coatings in Earth orbit
Abstract:
High-resolution medium-energy backscattering analyses have been performed on SiO and SiO(2) optical coatings that were exposed to the space environment aboard the NASA long-duration experiment module flight (LDEF). The data show an increase in areal density of 1% (resolved at the l0sigma level) in the SiO film as a result of this exposure. It appears that this effect has been produced by the incorporation of atomic oxygen from the ambient environment. Data on the SiO(2) film are less compelling but are consistent with some loss of material from the surface. These analyses set a new standard for profiling film thicknesses by ion backscattering.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
Circular Orbits and Critical Velocity for Satellites
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) first suggested that the Earth and all other planets orbit the Sun in...
Energy of a Satellite in a Circular Orbit
Properties of Enantiomers and Optical Activity
Doppler Effect - II
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview

