High precision automated alignment procedure for two-mirror telescopes

A significant challenge in the production of Earth observation satellites is the precise alignment of the telescope optical components. We have developed a strategy to perform automated alignment of two-mirror telescopes for use in a realistic factory-based setting. A Ritchey–Chrétien telescope was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied optics (2004) 2019-09, Vol.58 (27), p.7388
Main Authors: Hampson, Karen M., Gooding, David, Cole, Robin, Booth, Martin J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alignment
Automation
Earth observations (from space)
Misalignment
Optical components
Position measurement
Satellite observation
Secondary mirrors
Telescopes
Variation
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Summary:A significant challenge in the production of Earth observation satellites is the precise alignment of the telescope optical components. We have developed a strategy to perform automated alignment of two-mirror telescopes for use in a realistic factory-based setting. A Ritchey–Chrétien telescope was used as an example. The secondary mirror was mounted on a high precision hexapod and its misalignment inferred from the Zernike coefficients for tilt, defocus, and coma, as measured by a phase-shifting interferometer. The required corrections to the position of the secondary mirror were implemented using an integral controller and alignment was achieved within minutes, compared to within days when using a manual alignment process. The Zernike coefficient for each aberration was reduced to within one standard deviation of the fluctuations due to residual instability (48 nm).
ISSN:1559-128X
2155-3165
DOI:10.1364/AO.58.007388