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Optical phased array configuration for an extremely large telescope
Aden Baker Meinel1, Marjorie Pettit Meinel
1ameinel@earthlink.net
Applied Optics
|February 10, 2004
Summary
Extremely large telescopes are being developed, but high costs are a challenge. An Optical Phased Array (OPA) telescope offers a modular, cost-effective solution by combining multiple smaller telescopes.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Optical Engineering
- Telescope Design
Background:
- Current extremely large telescope designs (e.g., 30m) exceed $1 billion.
- Significant cost reductions are needed for next-generation observatories.
- Innovative concepts are crucial for advancing astronomical capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the Optical Phased Array (OPA) telescope concept for cost reduction.
- To assess the feasibility and advantages of modular telescope design.
- To compare OPA cost elements with conventional extremely large telescopes.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual design of an Optical Phased Array (OPA) telescope.
- Utilizing an array of Cassegrain telescopes as individual elements.
- Employing delay lines and a central beam combiner for optical path alignment.
Main Results:
- The OPA concept allows for scalable construction, starting with fewer elements.
- Modular design enables incremental expansion to achieve desired telescope diameter.
- Potential for significant cost savings compared to monolithic designs.
Conclusions:
- The Optical Phased Array (OPA) presents a viable, cost-effective approach for extremely large telescopes.
- Scalability and modularity are key advantages of the OPA design.
- Further investigation into OPA technology can facilitate future astronomical observatories.