Replication as an alternative approach for large segmented telescopes

Melville P. Ulmer; Robert I. Altkorn; Edward D. Kibblewhite; Steve Varlese

doi:10.1117/12.456663

4 February 2003 Replication as an alternative approach for large segmented telescopes

Melville P. Ulmer, Robert I. Altkorn, Edward D. Kibblewhite, Steve Varlese

Proceedings Volume 4837, Large Ground-based Telescopes; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456663
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The next generation of optical/IR telescopes will require large numbers of co-phased segmented mirrors. Therefore, some form of replication technology is desirable to reduce costs. Electroforming has the advantage that it is a commercially developed technology for replication, and the technology has been widely used for making X-ray mirrors (e.g. XMM-Newton). Composite materials are appealing, since a great deal of development work as been done with composites as well. There are 3 areas that need to be addressed: replication with minimal stress so as to produce a high quality figure; attachment of support of the mirror segment so as to maintain the figure quality; and, thermal control requirements. Here we present a discussion of the requirements that lead us to select replication as the fabrication technology and the advantages of replication. We report on our first results of making a concave mirror and testing support methods of flats.

Citation Download Citation

Melville P. Ulmer, Robert I. Altkorn, Edward D. Kibblewhite, and Steve Varlese "Replication as an alternative approach for large segmented telescopes", Proc. SPIE 4837, Large Ground-based Telescopes, (4 February 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456663

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