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Big OptiX ultra precision grinding/measuring system
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2005
Year
EngineeringMeasurementOptic DesignMechanical EngineeringOptical MetrologyEducationInstrumentation EngineeringCalibrationActive OpticsInstrumentationOptical SystemsPrecision MeasurementMechanical DesignMirror SegmentsFreeform OpticExtra Large TelescopesOptical TolerancingNext Generation GroundInstrument ScienceOptical SciencesPrecision Mechanical TestingTechnology
Many hundreds of mirror segments of 1-2 metre size will be needed to realise the next generation ground based extra large telescopes (ELTs). This paper introduces the design of a new ultra precise large optics grinding machine; Big OptiX or simply 'BOX<sup>TM</sup>'. This machine has been conceived to have unprecedented dynamic loop stiffness enabling ultra precise large 'free-form' optics to be rapidly ground within a serial production environment. Form accuracy capability of this machine will be 1 um per metre aperture and low levels of induced sub-surface damage will minimise the processing time of subsequent 'polishing' processes.