The meter-class carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror and segmented mirror telescope at the Naval Postgraduate School

Christopher Wilcox; Bautista Fernandez; John Bagnasco; Ty Martinez; Robert Romeo; Brij Agrawal

doi:10.1117/12.2082628

16 March 2015 The meter-class carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror and segmented mirror telescope at the Naval Postgraduate School

Christopher Wilcox, Bautista Fernandez, John Bagnasco, Ty Martinez, Robert Romeo, Brij Agrawal

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9354, Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXVII; 93540J (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082628
Event: SPIE LASE, 2015, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The Adaptive Optics Center of Excellence for National Security at the Naval Postgraduate School has implemented a technology testing platform and array of facilities for next-generation space-based telescopes and imaging system development. The Segmented Mirror Telescope is a 3-meter, 6 segment telescope with actuators on its mirrors for system optical correction. Currently, investigation is being conducted in the use of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures for large monolithic optics. Advantages of this material include lower manufacturing costs, very low weight, and high durability and survivability compared to its glass counterparts. Design and testing has begun on a 1-meter, optical quality CFRP parabolic mirror for the purpose of injecting collimated laser light through the SMT primary and secondary mirrors as well as the following aft optics that include wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors. This paper will present the design, testing, and usage of this CFRP parabolic mirror and the current path moving forward with this ever-evolving technology.

Citation Download Citation

Christopher Wilcox, Bautista Fernandez, John Bagnasco, Ty Martinez, Robert Romeo, and Brij Agrawal "The meter-class carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror and segmented mirror telescope at the Naval Postgraduate School", Proc. SPIE 9354, Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXVII, 93540J (16 March 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082628

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