A new concept for large deformable mirrors for extremely large telescopes

Torben Andersen, Mette Owner-Petersen, Arne Ardeberg, T Korhonen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPaper in conference proceedingpeer-review

    Abstract

    For extremely large telescopes, there is strong need for thin deformable mirrors in the 3-4 m class. So far, feasibility of such mirrors has not been demonstrated. Extrapolation from existing techniques suggests that the mirrors could be highly expensive. We give a progress report on a study of an approach for construction of large deformable mirrors with a moderate cost. We have developed low-cost actuators and deflection sensors that can absorb mounting tolerances in the millimeter range, and we have tested prototypes in the laboratory. Studies of control laws for mirrors with thousands of sensors and actuators are in good progress and simulations have been carried out. Manufacturing of thin, glass mirror blanks is being studied and first prototypes have been produced by a slumping technique. Development of polishing procedures for thin mirrors is in progress
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
    PublisherSPIE
    PagesU324-U331
    Volume6272
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    Event Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation - Advances in Adaptive Optics II, 2006 - Orlando, FL, United States
    Duration: 2006 May 242006 May 31

    Publication series

    Name
    Number1
    Volume6272
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X
    ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

    Conference

    Conference Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation - Advances in Adaptive Optics II, 2006
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityOrlando, FL
    Period2006/05/242006/05/31

    Subject classification (UKÄ)

    • Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

    Free keywords

    • glass mirror
    • slumping technique
    • mounting tolerance
    • deflection sensor
    • low-cost actuator
    • extrapolation
    • extremely large telescope
    • large deformable mirror
    • adaptive optics
    • telescope
    • 3 to 4 m
    • polishing

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