Reflectivity of Pure Metals in Vacuum

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    Metals Pure Vacuum
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reflectivity of pure metals in a vacuum, specifically highlighting pure aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and titanium. It emphasizes that while common data focuses on oxidized aluminum, pure metals exhibit significantly higher reflectivity when not subjected to atmospheric conditions. The James Webb Space Telescope's design considerations regarding aluminum reflectivity in a vacuum are also mentioned, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between pure metals and their oxidized forms in reflectivity studies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of reflectivity principles in materials science
  • Familiarity with the properties of pure metals
  • Knowledge of vacuum environments and their effects on material properties
  • Basic concepts of oxidation and its impact on metal reflectivity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the reflectivity of pure aluminum in vacuum conditions
  • Investigate the reflective properties of calcium and magnesium in vacuum
  • Explore techniques for preventing oxidation of metals in atmospheric conditions
  • Study the materials used in the James Webb Space Telescope and their reflectivity specifications
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, aerospace engineers, and researchers interested in the optical properties of metals in vacuum environments.

jms4
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All data I see online about reflectivity of metals is about aluminum in the atmosphere meaning oxidized aluminum, but pure aluminum in vacuum in case of the James Webb telescope would also be extremely reflective but building it on Earth means it's going to get oxidized, similarly there are a lot of pure metals out there which would be very reflective in vacuum such as calcium or magnesium or titanium if they wouldn't oxidize in the atmosphere. Is there any data about most reflective materials pure materials in vacuum?
 
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Do you have an example source you can provide? I feel like there may be a disconnect between the question and the answers you are finding, as a quality source should be giving you exactly what it tells you it is giving you. If it says reflectivity of Al it should be reflectivity of Al, not Al2O3. There are work-arounds to the problem of working in the atmosphere, though they may be too cumbersome to bother with for anything but a scientific investigation.
 

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