Techniques for Mounting Smaller Nonmetallic Mirrors

doi:10.1117/3.785236.ch9

Book: Mounting Optics in Optical Instruments, 2nd Edition

Author(s): Paul R. Yoder Jr.

Published: 2008

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.785236.ch9

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Abstract

In this chapter we address a variety of techniques commonly used to constrain mirrors in the size range from about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) to about 35 in. (89 cm). At the small end of this range, where the mounts tend to be very simple, techniques used for mounting lenses may suffice. As would be expected, complexity increases with mirror size. The general techniques considered include mechanical clamping, elastomeric bonding, optical contacting, and mounting on flexures. Mountings appropriate for nonmetallic and metallic mirror substrates are included. In general, we progress from smaller to larger sized optics. Mountings for mirrors to be used in astronomical telescope applications are discussed in the next chapter. It is pointed out that many mounting problems sometimes thought to exist only with the largest mirrors also exist with small mirrors; the difference is one of scale. In some contemporary designs involving "small" size, but high performance, these same problems are of sufficient magnitude to warrant special consideration.