Analysis techniques for adaptively controlled segmented mirror arrays

摘要

The employment of adaptively controlled segmented mirror architectures has become increasingly common in thedevelopment of current astronomical telescopes. Optomechanical analysis of such hardware presents unique issues ascompared to that of monolithic mirror designs. Performance analysis issues include simulation of adaptive control,execution of polynomial fitting, calculation of best fit rigid body motions, and prediction of line-of-sight error. Thegeneration of finite element models of individual segments involves challenges associated with correctly representingthe geometry of the optical surface. Design issues include segment structural design optimization and optimumplacement of actuators. Manufacturing issues include development of actuation inputs during stressed optic polishing.Approaches to all of the above issues are presented and demonstrated by example with SigFit, a commercially availabletool integrating mechanical analysis with optical analysis.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.