Cophasing segmented mirrors with large surface errors using physical and geometrical ray-based techniques

Phasing an array with steep slopes and large surface errors, such as in NASA's Precision Segmented Reflector (PSR) Program for submillimeter astrophysics, is difficult using conventional optical techniques because the surface errors on the panels are large as compared with optical wavelengths. This paper extrapolates a procedure proposed by the Keck Observatory whereby physical optical techniques phase the edges of the panels, but with this technique they are phased with respect to a reference surface obtained from a high-quality central panel. A full-surface height-map is thereby obtained by integrating slope measurements, and full-surface phasing can be achieved using the modified and conventional Shack-Hartmann camera.