Post #2157106
2026-04-18 10:03 UTC
Our trusty bolometer, optimized for mid-infrared range, developed a crack in the KBr window.
#infrared
#physics
Replies (1)
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@prema@hachyderm.io 2026-04-18 10:13
Turns out that the window was directly glued into the flange with vacuum epoxy. Since the KBr slowly corrodes due to atmospheric humidity - the outside face of the window faces atmosphere - it is possible that the forces between the glue and air pressure caused the crack. Inside the jacket of the detector, there needs to be vacuum, which serves as thermal insulation. The detector is cooled with liquid Helium.