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Design considerations for a highly segmented mirror.

Stephen Padin1

  • 1California Institute of Technology, Mail Stop 105-24,1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, USA. spadin@caltech.edu

Applied Optics
|June 7, 2003
PubMed
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This study explores cost-effective designs for large, segmented telescope mirrors. Parametric models show simple, inexpensive segments enable advanced wave-front corrections for improved astronomical observations.

Area of Science:

  • Optical engineering
  • Astronomy
  • Materials science

Background:

  • Large segmented mirrors offer cost savings through mass production.
  • They enable high-order active and adaptive wave-front corrections.
  • Previous designs faced challenges in cost and complexity for large apertures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore design issues for a 30-m highly segmented mirror.
  • To develop parametric models for simple, inexpensive mirror segments.
  • To assess feasibility of active and adaptive optics for large segmented mirrors.

Main Methods:

  • Parametric modeling of hexagonal, spherical glass segments.
  • Analysis of warping harnesses and three-point support systems.
  • Investigation of gravitational deformation compensation strategies.

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Main Results:

  • Identified optimal segment diameter (~100 mm) and minimum thickness (~5 mm) for a 30-m f/1.5 mirror.
  • Proposed a floating plate system with astatic supports to mitigate mirror cell deformations.
  • Determined segment actuator stroke requirements (tens of micrometers) and wave-front sensing feasibility.

Conclusions:

  • Cost-effective, highly segmented mirrors are feasible for large astronomical telescopes.
  • Simple segment designs and advanced support systems can manage gravitational effects.
  • Active and adaptive optics are viable for correcting residual aberrations in segmented systems.