Paper
23 October 1995 CFRP composites for optics and structures in telescope applications
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
The use of continuous fiber reinforced plastic, CFRP, composite materials is introduced here as a viable material for optical telescopes. The thermal characteristics of CFRPs make them attractive as dimensionally stable materials for all-composite telescope structures and mirrors. Composite mirrors have only recently shown promise as replacements for heavier and more fragile glass mirrors. The areal density of a CFRP mirror can be as much as 10 times less than that of a glass mirror. Optical test results show CFRP composite mirrors can be fabricated with an average surface roughness of less than 10 angstroms. Concept models of scope and CFRP optics with associated figure and roughness data are presented.
© (1995) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Robert C. Romeo "CFRP composites for optics and structures in telescope applications", Proc. SPIE 2543, Silicon Carbide Materials for Optics and Precision Structures, (23 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.225284
Lens.org Logo
CITATIONS
Cited by 2 scholarly publications.
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Mirrors

Composites

Telescopes

Glasses

Space telescopes

Optical fabrication

Surface roughness

Back to Top