Showing papers by "Samantha Thompson published in 2008"
TL;DR: The issues involved with CFC mirror production are addressed, in particular the accuracy of the form replication process, a suitable surface for polishing to optical quality, no fibre print-through, environmental stability, material uniformity and lifetime.
Abstract: We present results from our recent research into carbon-fibre composite (CFC) mirror fabrication for optical and infra-red applications. In particular this research is aimed towards the next generation of extremely large telescopes to offer an alternative to thin glass shell adaptive secondary mirrors. We address the issues involved with CFC mirror production, in particular the accuracy of the form replication process, a suitable surface for polishing to optical quality, no fibre print-through, environmental stability (shape change due to thermal and moisture variations), material uniformity and lifetime. We have performed experiments into the effectiveness of cold electroplating thick nickel coatings to totally encapsulate the CFC base substrate; the manufacturing procedure and properties of the Ni-CFC mirror are described here.
20 citations
TL;DR: The Smart X-ray Optics project is a UK-based consortium of eight institutions investigating the application of active/adaptive Xray optics for both large and small scale as discussed by the authors, which includes the modelling and testing of a large scale optic, suitable for an Xray telescope.
Abstract: The Smart X-ray Optics project is a UK based consortium of eight institutions investigating the application ofactive/adaptive X-ray optics for both large and small scale. The work being undertaken at the University ofLeicester includes the modelling and testing of a large scale optic, suitable for an X-ray telescope. This willincorporate piezoelect ric devices to enable the surface to be actively deformed, aiming to achieve an angularresolution better than that currently available (e.g. Chandra 0.5). The test optic design is based on a thinNickel ellipsoid segment on the back of which will be bonded a series of piezoelectric actuators. Simulation of theX-ray performance and the eect of the actuated piezoel ectric devices on the detected image is described. Detailsof the models produced for the piezoelectric actuation routine and the simulated annealing algorithm under de-velopment, will be outlined. Planed testing of the ellipsoidal prototype and future objectives for implementationof active X-ray optics in the design of an X-ray telescope will be discussed.Keywords: X-ray astronomy, X-ray telescopes, piezo electric actuators, t hin active mirrors
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a 1m diameter carbon-fibre reinforced cyanate ester resin mirror material is developed to provide a lightweight and robust alternative to thin glass shell mirrors, with the challenge of future large deformable mirrors such as the 2.5m M4 on the E-ELT.
Abstract: We present our recent developments towards the construction of a large, thin, single-piece mirror for adaptive
optics (AO). Our current research program aims to have completed fabrication and testing of a 1m diameter,
nickel coated carbon-fibre reinforced cyanate ester resin mirror by the last quarter of 2009. This composite
mirror material is being developed to provide a lightweight and robust alternative to thin glass shell mirrors,
with the challenge of future large deformable mirrors such as the 2.5m M4 on the E-ELT in mind. A detailed
analysis of the material properties of test mirror samples is being performed at the University of Birmingham
(UK), the first results of which are discussed and presented here. We discuss the project progress achieved so
far, including fabrication of the 1m flat moulds for the replication process, manufacturing and testing methods
for 20 cm diameter sample mirrors and system simulations.
10 citations
TL;DR: The Smart X-ray Optics (SXO) project is a UK-based consortium consisting of several institutions investigating the application of active/adaptive optics to both large and small scale grazing incidence x-ray optics as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Smart X-ray Optics (SXO) project is a UK based consortium consisting of several institutions investigating
the application of active/adaptive optics to both large and small scale grazing incidence x-ray optics. University
College London presents work relating to the large scale x-ray optics that is geared towards the next generation
of x-ray space telescopes. It is proposed that through the addition of piezoelectric actuators, an active x-ray
telescope with a resolution better than that currently achieved (e.g. Chandra 0.5") could be realised. An
immediate aim of the SXO project is to produce an operational active ellipsoidal segment prototype, with point-to-
point focusing and with the intention of being tested at the University of Leicester's x-ray beam source. Work
relating to the fabrication of the prototype will be presented, including shell replication via a nickel sulphamate
electroforming process, piezoelectric actuators and prototype assembly and operation. Results from finite element
analysis modelling will be discussed; these relate primarily to gravitational distortion effects and the plating tank
electrostatics.
8 citations