Polishing And Aspherizing A 1.8-m f/2.7 Paraboloid

Robert Crawford; Dave Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.948079

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29 January 1989 Polishing And Aspherizing A 1.8-m f/2.7 Paraboloid

Robert Crawford, Dave Anderson

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Proceedings Volume 0966, Advances in Fabrication and Metrology for Optics and Large Optics; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948079
Event: 32nd Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1988, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In late December of 1987, the Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona completed a seventh primary mirror for the Multiple Mirror Telescope (located on Mt. Hopkins in southern Arizona). The spare mirror allowed astronomers to maintain a six-mirror configuration while one mirror was down for realuminizing or when repairs to its support system were being carried out. Weather at the southern Arizona site is so ideal that a higher-precision mirror was needed to take advantage of these atmospheric conditions. 'When the specifications were considered, it became apparent that standard fabrication techniques would have to be altered somewhat to achieve a successful mirror. The problems considered were print through, or quilting of the mirror's ribs onto the optical surface, the possibility of astigmatism developing (tests indicated the blank lacked uniform strength across the back), and the necessity to maintain a precise focal length.

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Robert Crawford and Dave Anderson "Polishing And Aspherizing A 1.8-m f/2.7 Paraboloid", Proc. SPIE 0966, Advances in Fabrication and Metrology for Optics and Large Optics, (29 January 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948079

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