Membrane Reflectors

这个项目将研究一种新工艺，为毫米波和亚毫米波射电望远镜制造重量轻、相对便宜的米级反射镜。这个过程涉及到用薄的、反射的、可拉伸的材料覆盖一个刚性的体积。然后抽真空，或加压使膜形成曲面镜。反射镜的形状由边界的形状、膜材料的机械特性和压力控制。本项目将量化各种材料制成的反射镜的形状和表面特性，并演示使用膜反射镜的米级望远镜的操作。

ABSTRACTAST-9820158Dragovan, MarkThis project will investigate a novel process for making lightweight, relatively inexpensive, meter-class mirrors for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave radio telescopes. The process involves capping a rigid volume with a thin, reflective, stretchable material. The volume is then evacuated, or pressurized to form the membrane into a curved mirror. The shape of the mirror is controlled by the shape of the boundary, the mechanical characteristics of the membrane material, and the pressure. This project will quantify the shape and surface characteristics of mirrors produced from various materials, and demonstrate operation of a meter-class telescope using membrane mirrors.