Fabrication of ultrathin mirrors for adaptive and space optics

Stephen M. Miller; James Roger P. Angel; Hubert M. Martin; John Kapp; Dean A. Ketelsen; Lee R. Dettmann

doi:10.1117/12.279049

17 October 1997 Fabrication of ultrathin mirrors for adaptive and space optics

Stephen M. Miller, James Roger P. Angel, Hubert M. Martin, John Kapp, Dean A. Ketelsen, Lee R. Dettmann

Proceedings Volume 3126, Adaptive Optics and Applications; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.279049
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe the optical fabrication of thin glass shells which will be combined with rigid active supports for adaptive secondary mirrors and for space optics. These applications require glass shells about 2 mm thick, with diameters up to about 1 m for adaptive optics and possibly 6 m for space optics. The extreme flexibility presents unique fabrication challenges which are overcome by a simple adaptation of traditional glassworking techniques. Here we describe the fabrication of concave spherical shells 20 cm and 55 cm diameter. A method of handling and supporting the thin substrates for loose abrasive grinding and polishing is demonstrated and some variations on this approach are compared. Extension of the technique to aspheric adaptive secondary mirrors and to ultra-light mirrors up to 6 meters in diameter is discussed. The subsequent integration and optical testing of a 55 cm shell with a 36 point active support is reported.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen M. Miller, James Roger P. Angel, Hubert M. Martin, John Kapp, Dean A. Ketelsen, and Lee R. Dettmann "Fabrication of ultrathin mirrors for adaptive and space optics", Proc. SPIE 3126, Adaptive Optics and Applications, (17 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.279049

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