The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) Optical System

N. P. Carleton

doi:10.1117/12.959669

23 March 1981 The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) Optical System

N. P. Carleton

Proceedings Volume 0260, Management of Optics; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959669
Event: 1980 Huntsville Technical Symposium, 1980, Huntsville, United States

Abstract

Optical engineering decisions on the MMT uroject ranged over the following: (a) choice of a telescope-cluster geometry for maintenance of low infrared emissivity and for structural compactness; (b) use of lightweight fused-silica honeycomb structure for primary mirrors, slumped to an f/2.7 curvature; (c) use of alt-azimuth geometry, which simplified mirror support; (d) interchangeable sets of all optics (except the primary mirrors) to provide optimum reflectivity at wavelengths 0.3-20 microns; (e) maintenance of image co-alignment by tilt and focus of secondary mirrors; (f) use of a laser system with beam expansion by means of an auxiliary focus-controlled telescope and persicopes, followed by retro-reflectors, to give reference beams for the telescopes.

Citation Download Citation

N. P. Carleton "The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) Optical System", Proc. SPIE 0260, Management of Optics, (23 March 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959669

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