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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Minimization of shape error of optical mirrors by tangential-rod-based lateral support
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Passive support systems for astronomical telescope optical mirrors effectively suppress gravitational deformation, yet the absence of reliable mounting stress compensation remains the primary factor causing surface deformation errors. For mid-sized optical mirrors, conventional designs employing nonlinear kinematic pairs and unidirectional optomechanical interfaces reduce mounting stress at the expense of inducing nonlinear effects, thereby limiting overall system performance. This study develops a fully constrained passive support mechanism that achieves system linearization via flexible mirror-support coupling while innovatively implementing axial micro-displacement vectors applied through lateral support mounting interfaces to counteract connection-induced stresses. The compensation strategy is structured as follows: First, utilize axial micro-displacement vectors at the mounting interfaces of lateral support mechanisms to calibrate low-order Zernike aberration coefficients and solve the transfer matrix. Next, decompose the mirror surface deformation caused by lateral support installation into low-order Zernike aberration terms. Then compute axial micro-displacement vectors through the transfer matrix and apply them to the mounting interfaces of lateral support mechanisms to achieve compensation for mounting stress. Experimental validation on a 1200 mm Zerodur mirror demonstrated surface error reduction to root mean square values of λ/42 (λ=632.8nm) and λ/33 in vertical and horizontal orientations, respectively, accomplished through low-order Zernike aberration calibration and precision micro-displacement array adjustment.
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