The HIREX mirror fabrication and metrology study is being performed in several locations. We are working with Hughes Danbury Optical Systems (HDOS), Bauer Assoc., and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to completely review the state-of-the-art of mirror fabrication and metrology.
This more complex aspherical design was established by Bauer Assoc. and is given here. To view the complete Bauer report on the HIREX optical system click here.
HDOS will be examining the feasibility of fabricating optics of this quality, size and focal length.
Bauer will be examing the feasibility of various metrology techniques, both exisiting and new, for use in the various phases of the mirror processing: fabrication, coating and mounting.
We (SAO) are looking at the requirements placed on the mirror support during the metrology process to ensure that un-accounted for support or gravitationally induced deflections are not misinterpreted as real figure errors and their negative polished into the mirror.
We (SAO) are looking at the requirements placed on the mirror support during operations to ensure that the mirror support does not distort the primary mirror.
Preliminary SAO efforts concentrated on the earlier on-axis design. We have looked at the effect of
the the primary back shape on the front surface deflection under a 1 g
load.