Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Dec 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007aas...21113523c&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #211, #135.23; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 39, p.976
Physics
Optics
Scientific paper
One of the major limitations imposed on space-based facilities is the weight of the launch payload. This can put serious restrictions on the size of the telescope and detectors being launched, and consequently limit the science that can be achieved with these instruments. We will present the novel light-weight carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) telescopes that are being developed for use at the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer. Using carbon fiber for the construction of all components, including the optics, these telescopes are orders of magnitude lighter than traditional telescopes, and can have important applications for future large space-based facilities. We will present the design of a 0.4m telescope, the mechanical properties of the materials and measurements of the optical figure. We will also discuss the construction of a 1.4m telescope that is currently underway, and the scalability to larger apertures.
This research is supported by the Office of Naval Research and the Naval Research Laboratory.
Andrews Jonathan R.
Broome Scott T.
Crane Patrick
Martinez Tony
Penado Ernesto F.
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