Optical analysis of thermal induced structural distortions

The techniques used for the analysis of thermally induced structural distortions of optical components such as scanning mirrors and telescope optics are outlined. Particular attention is given to the methodology used in the thermal and structural analysis of the GOES scan mirror, the optical analysis using Zernike coefficients, and the optical system performance evaluation. It is pointed out that the use of Zernike coefficients allows an accurate, effective, and simple linkage between thermal/mechanical effects and the optical design.