Solar alpha particles damage effects on UV and EUV optical coatings

Multilayers coatings for space and solar applications are usually exposed to harsh environments. Thermal stress, ion bombardments and natural aging process can affect their performances over time. We have investigated the ?-particles stability of UV and EUV optical coatings suitable for high-performance solar instrumentation. Experimental procedures, analysis and preliminary results are discussed hereafter. © 2013 SPIE.