Just as importantly, the polymer film serves as a protective coating on clean optical surfaces. The polymer film is tough, flexible, and easily removed prior to using the optic. Many studies have shown the polymer film leaves no residue.

The WRDOG staff protects Mirrors and Corrector Plates with the polymer solution. Clean components from several telescopes are protected from recontamination while waiting for telescope assembly. Technicians may work without gloves until the film is removed after the mirror is placed in the telescope.

The ability to stage and work with optical components without fear of recontamination allows the WRDOG to work on many telescopes and assemblies concurrently. Work proceeds more quickly because the protective polymer film eliminates the possibility of cleaning the same component several times. The polymer allows cleaning to occur at any time in the refurbishment process, almost without regard for the final assembly timeline. The use of the polymer eliminates the need to construct expensive cleanrooms and allows coated lenses to be left in the open indefinitely.

This work was done by Philip Jackson and Dr. James Hamilton of Photonic Cleaning Technologies; and Steven Elieson of SpaceLift Systems Western Range, Vandenberg Air Force Base. For more information, click here.