Design and analysis of flexure mounts for precision optics

Joeleff Fitzsimmons; Darren Erickson; Alexis Hill; Randall Bartos; James K. Wallace

doi:10.1117/12.790046

23 July 2008 Design and analysis of flexure mounts for precision optics

Joeleff Fitzsimmons, Darren Erickson, Alexis Hill, Randall Bartos, James K. Wallace

Proceedings Volume 7018, Advanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation; 70181K (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790046
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The increasing demand within the astronomy community for direct detection of extrasolar Jovian planets is driving the development of the next generation of ground-based, precision instruments like the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI). The precision and stability of the opto-mechanical components within GPI needed to achieve the required 10^-7 contrast will challenge the limits of design and material properties. This study examines the challenge of mounting small, high-precision mirrors (~1nm RMS WFE) for all gravity orientations, for 30°C temperature fluctuations and for vibration conditions typical of a cassegrain-mounted instrument on the Gemini telescopes. Various flexure-based mounting schemes, typically used for small optics (12 mm to 50 mm diameter), are considered in the context of the GPI opto-mechanical requirements. Through this study several candidate designs are selected for detailed investigation. The further design, analysis, and optimization of these candidate flexure designs are presented and evaluated against the relevant requirements. Special consideration and discussion is devoted to finite element analysis techniques and optimization procedures. Finally, the chosen flexure configuration is prescribed for the range of mirror sizes within GPI.

Citation Download Citation

Joeleff Fitzsimmons, Darren Erickson, Alexis Hill, Randall Bartos, and James K. Wallace "Design and analysis of flexure mounts for precision optics", Proc. SPIE 7018, Advanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation, 70181K (23 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790046

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