Flat membrane mirrors for space telescopes

Brian L. Stamper; James Roger P. Angel; James H. Burge; Neville J. Woolf

doi:10.1117/12.405771

31 October 2000 Flat membrane mirrors for space telescopes

Brian L. Stamper, James Roger P. Angel, James H. Burge, Neville J. Woolf

Proceedings Volume 4091, Imaging Technology and Telescopes; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405771
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Current work concentrates on making optically flat mirrors using stretched membranes. Very lightweight mirrors can be made that only require a rigid support at the perimeter of the membrane. Contact with the membrane need not be continuous, only discrete attachment points are required to tension the material. Initial results of useable area as a function of the number of attach points will be given. Experimental fixtures demonstrating methods of forming a flat membrane are shown. The potential for nearly flat mirrors is mentioned including one method of implementation. Surface measurements are also contrasted for different materials.

Citation Download Citation

Brian L. Stamper, James Roger P. Angel, James H. Burge, and Neville J. Woolf "Flat membrane mirrors for space telescopes", Proc. SPIE 4091, Imaging Technology and Telescopes, (31 October 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405771

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