Development of a carbon fiber composite active mirror: design and testing

Abstract

Carbon fiber composite technology for lightweight mirrors is gaining increasing interest in the space- and ground-based astronomical communities for its low weight, ease of manufacturing, excellent thermal qualities, and robustness. We present here first results of a project to design and produce a 27-cm diameter deformable carbon fiber composite mirror. The aim was to produce high surface form accuracy as well as low surface roughness. As part of this program, a passive mirror was developed to investigate stability and coating issues. Results from the manufacturing and polishing process are reported here. We also present results of a mechanical and thermal finite element analysis, as well as early experimental findings on the deformable mirror. Possible applications and future work are discussed.