Atomic layer deposition of semiconductor oxides on electric sail tethers
Electric Solar sail (ESAIL) tethers may be subjected to barrage of incident charged particles, high energy photons and strong vibrations, depending on their working mechanism. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique can produce light-weight, conformal and defect-free coatings that can protect the metallic tethers from many anticipated harsh space effects. In addition to this, the coatings may be used to steer the equilibrium temperature of the tethers, especially when used in the deep solar system.