Extracting the zero-gravity surface figure of a mirror

E. E. Bloemhof; J. C. Lam; V. A. Feria; Z. Chang

doi:10.1117/12.790532

28 July 2008 Extracting the zero-gravity surface figure of a mirror

E. E. Bloemhof, J. C. Lam, V. A. Feria, Z. Chang

Proceedings Volume 7013, Optical and Infrared Interferometry; 70133L (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790532
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

Space-based astronomical instruments such as SIM, the Space Interferometry Mission [1, 2] require high-quality mirrors whose zero-gravity surface figure is specified to nanometer accuracy. Testing, however, necessarily proceeds in 1g, normal earth gravity. Extracting the zero-gravity surface has traditionally been done by combining measurements with the mirror in a number of different orientations, so that the effects of gravity cancel. Here we examine some refinements to that technique, showing that for precise results it is necessary that mount forces as well as gravity forces cancel over the different orientations. These ideas are illustrated with lab experience obtained with a 343 mm diameter spherical mirror (PT-M1), which is a prototype SIM compressor mirror.

Citation Download Citation

E. E. Bloemhof, J. C. Lam, V. A. Feria, and Z. Chang "Extracting the zero-gravity surface figure of a mirror", Proc. SPIE 7013, Optical and Infrared Interferometry, 70133L (28 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790532

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