Carbon nanotube optical mirrors

Peter C. Chen; Douglas M. Rabin

doi:10.1117/1.JATIS.1.1.014005

4 November 2014 Carbon nanotube optical mirrors

Peter C. Chen, Douglas M. Rabin

Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems, Vol. 1, Issue 1, 014005 (November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.1.1.014005

Abstract

We report the fabrication of imaging quality optical mirrors with smooth surfaces using carbon nanotubes (CNT) embedded in an epoxy matrix. CNT/epoxy is a multifunctional composite material that has sensing capabilities and can be made to incorporate self-actuation. Moreover, as the precursor is a low density liquid, large and lightweight mirrors can be fabricated by processes such as replication, spincasting, and three-dimensional printing. Therefore, the technology holds promise for the development of a new generation of lightweight, compact “smart” telescope mirrors with figure sensing and active or adaptive figure control. We report on measurements made of optical and mechanical characteristics, active optics experiments, and numerical modeling. We discuss possible paths for future development.

CC BY: © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

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Peter C. Chen and Douglas M. Rabin "Carbon nanotube optical mirrors," Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems 1(1), 014005 (4 November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.1.1.014005

Published: 4 November 2014

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