Use of Minimum-energy Modes for Modal-active Optics Corrections of Thin Meniscus Mirrors

Abstract

Abstract For thin meniscus mirrors the modes which correct arbitrary wave-front aberrations in the most efficient way are derived. These modes are similar to the free-vibration modes of the mirror. The relationship between the two types of modes is shown. The most important features such as orthogonality and energy of the modes are discussed. This modal approach is applied to a few practical problems in connection with the primary mirrors of the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory.