Reflector and mirror systems for submillimeter and infrared telescopes: an overview of technology and costs

Hans J. Kärcher

doi:10.1117/12.2298744

30 November 2017 Reflector and mirror systems for submillimeter and infrared telescopes: an overview of technology and costs

Hans J. Kärcher

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2104, 18th International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves; 21048O (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2298744
Event: 18th International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves, 1993, Colchester, United Kingdom

Abstract

Infrared and submillimeter astronomy has advanced dramatically in the last 10 years. Technicallythis advance is dependent not only upon the improvement of the instrumentation and the telescopesthemselves but also upon their location on the earth's surface or in space. The key mechanicalcomponent of the telescope, which determines its observational performance, is the main mirror orreflector. In the past the technology for reflectors of radiotelescopes developed completelyindependent from the technology for mirrors of optical telescopes. William Herschel manufacturedthe first really large optical mirror in 1789 in polished bronze and Lovell, together with Husband &Co, built the first really large radiotelescope in 1956 from riveted steel. Due to the different demandson size and accuracy, up to now optical and radiotelescopes have used different technologies, but themechanical principles on which the design of the mirrors or reflectors is based are very similar. Asinfrared and submillimeter astronomy is bridging the gap between optical and radio astronomy, themirrors and reflectors for infrared and submillimeter telescopes are bridging the gap in technologiesbetween optical mirrors and radiotelescope reflectors.

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Hans J. Kärcher "Reflector and mirror systems for submillimeter and infrared telescopes: an overview of technology and costs", Proc. SPIE 2104, 18th International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves, 21048O (30 November 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2298744

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