Effects of aberrations (low order and quilting) on the performance of the all-composite design for the Herschel Space Observatory

Brian E. Catanzaro; James A. Thomas; Stan Backovsky; Daniel D. Barber; Donald W. Small; Roger A. Johnston; Eri J. Cohen

doi:10.1117/12.447306

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5 November 2001 Effects of aberrations (low order and quilting) on the performance of the all-composite design for the Herschel Space Observatory

Brian E. Catanzaro, James A. Thomas, Stan Backovsky, Daniel D. Barber, Donald W. Small, Roger A. Johnston, Eri J. Cohen

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Proceedings Volume 4444, Optomechanical Design and Engineering 2001; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.447306
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2001, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The effects of specific aberrations on the optical performance of the all-composite design for the Herschel Space Observatory are examined. A review of the all-composite design for the large aperture (3.5 m) telescope that satisfies the target specifications is presented. Cyrogenic experiments with a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) 2 m demonstration mirror have yielded empirical bounds on the high- and low-order spatial frequency aberrations that will be anticipated in the full 3.5 m Ritchey-Chretien telescope design. Detailed analysis is presented on the effect of the low order aberrations of the primary mirror on the system wavefront error and encircled energy. Predictable limits of correction via low order shaping of the secondary mirror are described. The impact of higher order surface errors on the encircled energy and the stray light will also be presented. Comments are made regarding the impact of the optical prescription and CRFP design on flight telescope testing.

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Brian E. Catanzaro, James A. Thomas, Stan Backovsky, Daniel D. Barber, Donald W. Small, Roger A. Johnston, and Eri J. Cohen "Effects of aberrations (low order and quilting) on the performance of the all-composite design for the Herschel Space Observatory", Proc. SPIE 4444, Optomechanical Design and Engineering 2001, (5 November 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.447306

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