Cast Tenzaloy aluminum optics

Fred F. Forbes

doi:10.1117/12.158729

15 October 1993 Cast Tenzaloy aluminum optics

Fred F. Forbes

Proceedings Volume 1931, Metal Mirrors; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.158729
Event: Metal Mirrors, 1992, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Since the early sixties, cast aluminum optics has held out a promise of low cost, durability, lightweight, ease of manufacture, the possibility of welding together sections to form large optics and a good match of some astronomical programs such as photometry. Needless to say, this rosy future has been fraught with difficulties. Poor short-term stability, sensitivity to temperature, porosity, bimetallic warping, soft optical surface, poor specularity, nickel adhesion problems, poor image quality, and the inability to generate aspherics, have all contributed to the bad name cast aluminum optics has acquired over the years. With the advent of improved aluminum alloys, long-term dimensional stability data, advances in adaptive optics and the need for very large monolithic mirrors with a relatively low handling risk, aluminum optics deserve another look. This paper is a collection of some of the early attempts to build cast aluminum mirrors using the stable alloy, Tenzaloy. The results of those efforts are discussed together with recommendations for future aluminum metal mirror work.

Citation Download Citation

Fred F. Forbes "Cast Tenzaloy aluminum optics", Proc. SPIE 1931, Metal Mirrors, (15 October 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.158729

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available