Abstract
A new class of telescope is being built with primary mirrors as large as 8.4 meters in diameter and as fast as f/1. Due to the large size and aspheric departure of these convex mirrors, traditional fabrication and testing techniques are impractical. We have developed tools and techniques and to manufacture large, steep convex aspheres and have built a dedicated facilty that integrates a 1.8-m stressed-lap polishing machine with interferometric and mechanical measuring systems. We have used this facility to process 4 secondary mirrors, up to 1.7 meters in diameter.
© 1999 Optical Society of America
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