Why is aluminum applied directly on the outside of the glass on a reflecting telescope (called a first surface mirror) rather than that found in a regular mirror (underneath a layer of glass?)
Aluminium applied directly on the outside of the glass on a reflecting telescope because Aluminium mirror finish has the highest Reflectance of any metal in the 200-400nm ultra violet and the 3000-1000nm infrared spectral ranges. Aluminium naturally reacts with air creating a barrier oxide layer and so effectively reducing nominal reflectsnce. Therefore, to maintain optical integrity of aluminium coatings, it must be treated with a protective coating on the outside rather than that found in a regular mirror.
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