Manufacture of large glass honeycomb mirrorsThe problem of making very large glass mirrors for astronomical telescopes is examined, and the advantages of honeycomb mirrors made of borosilicate glass are discussed. Thermal gradients in the glass that degrade the figure of thick borosilicate mirrors during use can be largely eliminated in a honeycomb structure by internal ventilation (in air) or careful control of the radiation environment (in space). It is expected that ground-based telescopes with honeycomb mirrors will give better images than those with solid mirrors. Materials, techniques, and the experience that has been gained making trial mirrors and test castings as part of a program to develop 8-10-m-diameter lightweight mirrors are discussed.
Document ID
19830049795
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Angel, J. R. P. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Hill, J. M. (Steward Observatory Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Optics
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes