Aerogel Based Optics

[Xittenn]

I was just wondering if anybody had anything interesting to say on this subject. A quick Google says that there is a relatively new diamond based form of Aerogel that might find application in optics. I have a number of reasons to be interested in this, but nothing immediately comes to mind with respect to selection of an Aerogel, implementation of the material in optics, or other design considerations. I want a telescope, so my first instinct is to try and visualize a process whereby I can make one myself. I'm also interested in applications in Microscopy.

[InigoMontoya]

Is your interest more aligned with aerogels or optics? I mean, there's a whole community of amateur telescope builders out there using a large variety of technologies, but I've never heard of anybody in the amateur community using aerogels. In other words, if you want to build a telescope, you don't need aerogels.

[Xittenn]

No, I'm specifically inquiring about Aerogel Optics.

Edited December 23, 2011 by Xittenn