Metallic alternative to glass mirrors (active mirrors in aluminum): a review

Jean-Pierre Rozelot; Jean-M. Leblanc

doi:10.1117/12.46745

1 September 1991 Metallic alternative to glass mirrors (active mirrors in aluminum): a review

Jean-Pierre Rozelot, Jean-M. Leblanc

Proceedings Volume 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46745
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Present-day glass mirrors for telescopes, including the most recent results obtained with aluminum mirrors developed within the European EUREKA procedure (LAMA program) are reviewed. The major advantages of the aluminum-alloy solution, which can be extrapolated today for large size, are discussed. It is shown that aluminum-alloy meniscus blanks, polished on a thin nickel coating, are appropriate to manufacture mirrors of astronomical quality. With the technique of electron-beam welding, large sizes can be envisaged. The development of active optics makes it possible to easily compensate for real-time deformations. The good thermal diffusivity of aluminum alloys leads to a better and faster thermal equilibrium than all other glass structures.

Citation Download Citation

Jean-Pierre Rozelot and Jean-M. Leblanc "Metallic alternative to glass mirrors (active mirrors in aluminum): a review", Proc. SPIE 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments, (1 September 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46745

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