Optical Specification Of Ground Based Telescopes

David S. Brown

doi:10.1117/12.935410

26 October 1983 Optical Specification Of Ground Based Telescopes

David S. Brown

Proceedings Volume 0399, Optical System Design, Analysis, and Production; (1983) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.935410
Event: 1983 International Technical Conference/Europe, 1983, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

The paper reviews the factors limiting the performance of ground based optical systems, and suggests a form of specification which overcomes many of the difficulties inherent in methods currently used. The main problems are the need to use diffraction based calculations of image quality and to ensure that the criteria adopted describe performance adequately over the large wavelength range now used in ground based astronomy. The paper considers the effects of atmospheric turbulence, aperture diffraction, detector properties and system wavefront errors. Scatter by the optical system is treated separately from other optical characteristics. Scatter by surface roughness (including coatings) and spider diffraction all affect optical performance and the effects on image quality are considered.

Citation Download Citation

David S. Brown "Optical Specification Of Ground Based Telescopes", Proc. SPIE 0399, Optical System Design, Analysis, and Production, (26 October 1983); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.935410

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