Metrology is critical amongst the challenges associated with the production of mirror segments on the scale required by proposed extremely-large telescopes. To achieve the optical specification in a reasonable time requires measurements with an unprecedented combination of accuracy, stability and speed. This study suggests combining several promising methods for use at different stages of production. Pallet mounting is proposed to permit the segments to be handled without significant distortion and to provide fiducials for precise location of the segment. Final qualification of a segment would include comparison with a master reference that had been certified by consensus among a number of independent experts.

Date Published: 7 July 2004
PDF: 5 pages
Proc. SPIE 5382, Second Backaskog Workshop on Extremely Large Telescopes, (7 July 2004); doi: 10.1117/12.566231

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5382:
Second Backaskog Workshop on Extremely Large Telescopes
Arne L. Ardeberg; Torben Andersen, Editor(s)