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

S. Kendrew·P. Doel·D. Brooks·C. Dorn·C. Yates·R. M. Dwan·I. Richardson·G. Evans
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Abstract

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.

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S. Kendrew, P. Doel, D. Brooks, C. Dorn, C. Yates, R. M. Dwan, I. Richardson, G. Evans. 2005-08-04. Development of a carbon fibre composite active mirror: Design and testing. https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0508135

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