Mechanical principles of large mirror supports

Hans J. Kärcher; Peter Eisenträger; Martin Süss

doi:10.1117/12.855935

6 August 2010 Mechanical principles of large mirror supports

Hans J. Kärcher, Peter Eisenträger, Martin Süss

Proceedings Volume 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III; 77332O (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.855935
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Large thin meniscus mirrors use force-controlled shape actuators to obtain the required optical performance. The shape actuators can be interpreted as an advancement of classical mirror supports as whiffle trees or iso-static levers, which worked purely mechanical. The paper develops, after a short historical overview, the theoretical background of mirror mechanics. Different combinations of force-controlled shape actuators with mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic whiffle trees or iso-static levers are analyzed in regard of their impact on optical performance, dynamic and control behavior. The investigations were the basis for the choice of the shape actuator system for the E-ELT M2, executed by MT Mechatronics under an ESO contract in 2008-09.

Citation Download Citation

Hans J. Kärcher, Peter Eisenträger, and Martin Süss "Mechanical principles of large mirror supports", Proc. SPIE 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III, 77332O (6 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.855935

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