Three-mirror telescopes: design and optimization

Abstract

A set of equations is developed which yields the constructional parameters of three-mirror all-reflecting optical systems. An equation whose factors allow the shape of the image surface to be controlled is also derived. A method of optimizing the performance of three-mirror systems by varying the inputs to the design equations is described, and the results are compared with those obtained through a conventional numerical design optimization. The technique described is shown to be markedly superior to the usual optimization method of varying the constructional parameters of the system.