Optical and ageing studies of aerogel samples for RICH applications in space

Optical and ageing properties of hydrophobic silica aerogel have been measured. The optical observations include the determination of the index of refraction of individual aerogel samples, and transmittance measurements. Concerning ageing, we investigate possible explanations for an appreciable decrease on the light yield observed in the aerogel tiles used in the AMS-01 Cherenkov detector, flown on board of the NASA Discovery Shuttle. Measurements were carried out simulating the vacuum and thermal cycle to which the aerogel was subject. These tests indicate that this material is very sensitive to residual contaminants that might be present during the vacuum pumping and/or gas admission process.