An emerging hybrid technology toward ultra-light and self-correcting, "live" mirrors

Moretto, Gil; Thetpraphi, K.; Capsal, J. -F.; Kuhn, J. R.; Audgier, D.; Langlois, M.; Graf, C.; Ritter, J.; Rebolo, R.; Lodieu, N.; Zhou, Y.; Lewis, K.
Referencia bibliográfica

Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference Series

Fecha de publicación:
8
2022
Número de autores
12
Número de autores del IAC
2
Número de citas
0
Número de citas referidas
0
Descripción
The constantly increasing needs for astronomical imaging of ever fainter objects as well as for imaging the Earth from space require much higher angular resolution and dynamic range than current optical telescopes can deliver. Mirrors are the key elements of these systems; but they are technologically difficult to improve because they must maintain an exceedingly precise shape while resisting deformations (for example from gravity and/or variable wind loads) in the open environments in which they must operate. Our interdisciplinary novel technology will establish a new paradigm: we will shape thin, very smooth, "fire-polished," lightweight glass to a predetermined curvature and generate dynamically controlled stiffness by using the addressable energy of electroactive polymers (EAPs) to resist environmental deformations - making what we call a "Live" Mirror.