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P.C. Chen (CMA & NASA GSFC), R.J. Oliversen, S.G. Neff (NASA GSFC), R.C. Romeo (CMA)
We report on the status of a new and rapidly maturing telescope technology. The technology combines the large area capability and affordability that are required for ground-based telescopes, as well as the high stiffness and extremely low areal density demanded for space telescopes. Additional capabilities include ultra-smooth surfaces, aspherical, off axis, and apodized shapes, active figure control, meter class adaptive optics, and rapid fabrication of multiple identical units. Operating wavelengths include x ray, uv, visible, ir, and radio bands. Diffraction limited performance has been achieved at visible wavelengths. We present data on numerical modeling and laboratory measurement of mirrors, and field testing of prototype optical telescopes. Presentation will also be made on the development of extremely lightweight (<3 kg/m**2) mirrors under the NASA Gossamer program.
This work is supported in part by NASA research grants.
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The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: chen@stars.gsfc.nasa.gov