Under contract from the Cornell-Caltech Atacama Telescope Project (CCAT), Composite Mirror Applications, Inc. (CMA) has undertaken a feasibility design study for the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) panels in forming the primary mirror surface. We review some of the past projects using CFRP panel technology for millimeter and submillimeter wavelength radio astronomy telescopes. Pros and cons of the technology are discussed. A particular panel configuration was proposed and computer modeled with finite element analysis (FEA). The technology of replicated CFRP panels for short wavelength radio astronomical telescopes is mature and cost effective. For shorter wavelengths into the IR and visible, it is becoming a very attractive alternative to traditional, heavy glass or metal technologies.

Date Published: 6 July 2006
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 6273, Optomechanical Technologies for Astronomy, 62730P (6 July 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.671597

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6273:
Optomechanical Technologies for Astronomy
Eli Atad-Ettedgui; Joseph Antebi; Dietrich Lemke, Editor(s)