A novel approach for the realization of thin glass substrates for optical mirrors

G. Vecchi; S. Basso; R. Canestrari; M. Civitani; M. Ghigo; J. Hołyszko; G. Pareschi; B. Salmaso

doi:10.1117/12.2313508

10 July 2018 A novel approach for the realization of thin glass substrates for optical mirrors

G. Vecchi, S. Basso, R. Canestrari, M. Civitani, M. Ghigo, J. Hołyszko, G. Pareschi, B. Salmaso

Proceedings Volume 10706, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation III; 107060H (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313508
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, Austin, Texas, United States

Abstract

We present a manufacturing process based on the deterministic polishing and figuring of thin glass substrates (shells), with thickness ranging from 0.5 up to a few millimeters, in “stand-alone” configuration or as part of a composite sandwich structure with low-density core. The methods will be well suited for a broad range of applications in astronomy like, e.g., the production of thin substrates for adaptive optics, the realization of sandwiched lightweight segments for the mirrors of future ground-based and space telescopes, and the realization of low-cost mirrors for amateur astronomy telescopes. The method foresees the pre-shaping of thin glass substrates via hot slumping technology followed by highprecision form correction of the optical surfaces via computer-controlled bonnet and ion beam figuring technologies. During the phase of bonnet polishing of a shell in stand-alone configuration, a removable holder stiffens it temporarily. This paper describes the main steps of the process under study and reports on the realization of the first prototypes.

Citation Download Citation

G. Vecchi, S. Basso, R. Canestrari, M. Civitani, M. Ghigo, J. Hołyszko, G. Pareschi, and B. Salmaso "A novel approach for the realization of thin glass substrates for optical mirrors ", Proc. SPIE 10706, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation III, 107060H (10 July 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313508

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