Development of a carbon fibre composite active mirror: Design and testing

Journal article

Carbon fibre composite technology for lightweight mirrors is gaining increasing interest in the space- and ground-based astronomical communities for its low weight, ease of manufacturing, excellent thermal qualities and robustness. We present here first results of a project to design and produce a 27 cm diameter deformable carbon fibre composite mirror. The aim was to produce a high surface form accuracy as well as low surface roughness. As part of this programme, a passive mirror was developed to investigate stability and coating issues. Results from the manufacturing and polishing process are reported here. We also present results of a mechanical and thermal finite element analysis, as well as early experimental findings of the deformable mirror. Possible applications and future work are discussed.

Authors: Kendrew, S; Doel, P; Brooks, D; Dorn, C; Yates, C

• Journal: Optical Engineering
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 033401-033401
• Publication date: 2005-08-04
• DOI: 10.1117/1.2179771
• EISSN: 1560-2303
• ISSN: 0091-3286
• Language: English
• Keywords: astro-ph