Available space is a limiting factor for space telescopes. Because observatories have to be transported into space, which must fit into the launch vehicle. This means that mirror size for telescopes in space is limited or the limitations must be circumvented with complex and risky collapsible constructions such as the 25-square-meter primary mirror of the James Webb Telescope. New technology could make space telescope mirrors lighter, larger, and more flexible in the future. The researchers found a way to produce the mirror film in the form of a thin, flexible switch. The new mirrors can be folded for transport and then opened in situ in space.
Flexible mirrors make better use of available space
Not only is the space available in launchers a limiting factor, but so is their carrying capacity. Not only should the mirror hull fit inside the rocket, it should be as light as possible. The solution to this problem could lie in thin flexible membrane mirrors that are simply wrapped onto the launch vehicle for launch. “This new approach, which is very different from the usual methods of manufacturing and polishing mirrors, can help solve problems related to payload weight and size.Sebastien Rabian of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics.
The new technology is based on a vacuum chamber with a rotating container filled with a little liquid. The rotation causes the liquid to assume a perfect parabolic shape, as required for a telescope mirror. “It is already known that rotating fluids, aligned with the local gravitational axis, are parabolic in natureSaid Rabi’in. Together with his team, he has now used these natural specifications for the first time to create a specially designed telescope mirror.
Improved space telescopes
This telescope mirror was created using chemical vapor deposition. The basic gaseous units of the polymer are introduced into the vacuum chamber and deposited in a uniform layer on the domed surface of the liquid, where they combine to form the polymer. This method is usually used to apply coatings to a surface, but in this case the method is used to form a backing layer for a film mirror.
When the polymer is thick enough, a metallic reflective layer is applied to the surface and washed in the liquid. This layer can consist of aluminum or gold, for example. This process results in a custom-made telescope mirror of the desired shape that is flexible and flexible. Researchers have already succeeded in creating prototypes of these membrane mirrors with a diameter of up to 30 cm.
“Thus we have demonstrated the basic feasibility of this method. You can use it to make light mirrors 15 or 20 meters in diameter. This would make possible space telescopes with greater power than those that have been launched or are still plannedRabie explains.
Adjusts mirror light and heat
After posting in the space of need Membrane mirrors They are not subject to the fine-tuning required to obtain sharp, high-resolution images. Scientists also found a solution for this. Thanks to the adaptive method, the shape of the mirror can be controlled using locally directed heating and cooling. A spatially variable light projection is used to control the temperature.
The researchers are now working to improve the control of the system further and see how well the membrane surface can be modified and how much deformation can be tolerated. They want to investigate this using much larger diameter mirrors.
via Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics
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