MMT optics support structure: performance for interferometric imaging

E. Keith Hege; Matthew Cheselka

doi:10.1117/12.19331

1 August 1990 MMT optics support structure: performance for interferometric imaging

E. Keith Hege, Matthew Cheselka

Proceedings Volume 1237, Amplitude and Intensity Spatial Interferometry; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19331
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation for the 21st Century, 1990, Tucson, AZ, United States

Abstract

A laser interferometer has been used to measure the relative optical pathlength variations from the focal plane to the six individual secondary telescopes of the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT). These pathlengths vary as functions of elevation due to variable gravitational loading, drive acceleration and velocity, temperature variations, and wind loading. Vibrations induced by wind loading and telescope drives, including building vibrations transmitted to the mount, cause high-frequency variations in the otherwise slowly varying optical pathlengths. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of these high-frequency perturbations on optical interferometry at various tracking rates, including those relevant to earth satellite observation. Effects are found which can strongly affect the contrast of interferograms.

Citation Download Citation

E. Keith Hege and Matthew Cheselka "MMT optics support structure: performance for interferometric imaging", Proc. SPIE 1237, Amplitude and Intensity Spatial Interferometry, (1 August 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19331

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available