Future of filled aperture telescopes: is a 100-m feasible?

Roberto Gilmozzi; Bernard Delabre; Philippe Dierickx; Norbert N. Hubin; Franz Koch; Guy J. Monnet; Marco Quattri; Francois J. Rigaut; Raymond N. Wilson

doi:10.1117/12.319284

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25 August 1998 Future of filled aperture telescopes: is a 100-m feasible?

Roberto Gilmozzi, Bernard Delabre, Philippe Dierickx, Norbert N. Hubin, Franz Koch, Guy J. Monnet, Marco Quattri, Francois J. Rigaut, Raymond N. Wilson

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Proceedings Volume 3352, Advanced Technology Optical/IR Telescopes VI; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319284
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

We explore the scientific case and the conceptual feasibility of giant filled aperture telescopes, in the light of science goals needing an order of magnitude increase in aperture size, and investigate the requirements (and challenges) these imply for possible technical options in the case of a 100 m telescope. The 100-m f/6.4 telescope optical concept is of a four mirror design with segmented, spherical primary and secondary mirrors, and 8-m class aspheric tertiary and quaternary mirrors, providing a 3 arc minutes field of view. Building on the experience of the VLT and other large telescope projects, we investigate mirror fabrication issues, a possible mechanical solution, the requirements for the absolutely essential adaptive optics system and for the instrumentation package, and the implications for budget and schedule.

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Roberto Gilmozzi, Bernard Delabre, Philippe Dierickx, Norbert N. Hubin, Franz Koch, Guy J. Monnet, Marco Quattri, Francois J. Rigaut, and Raymond N. Wilson "Future of filled aperture telescopes: is a 100-m feasible?", Proc. SPIE 3352, Advanced Technology Optical/IR Telescopes VI, (25 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319284

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