E-ELT optomechanics: overview

M. Cayrel

doi:10.1117/12.925175

17 September 2012 E-ELT optomechanics: overview

M. Cayrel

Proceedings Volume 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV; 84441X (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925175
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The E-ELT is a project led by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) for a 40-m class optical, near- and midinfrared, ground-based telescope. When it will enter into operation, the E-ELT will be the largest and most powerful optical telescope ever built. It will not only offer unrivalled light collecting power, but also exceedingly sharp images, thanks to its ability to compensate for the adverse effect of atmospheric turbulence on image sharpness. The basic optical solution for the EELT is a folded three-mirror anastigmat, using a 39-m segmented primary mirror (M1), a 4-m convex secondary mirror (M2), and a 4-m concave tertiary mirror (M3), all active. Folding is provided by two additional flat mirrors sending the beams to either Nasmyth foci along the elevation axis of the telescope. The folding arrangement (flat M4 and M5 mirrors) is conceived to provide conveniently located flat surfaces for an adaptive shell (M4) and field stabilization (M5). That paper provides an overview of the specifications, design, and expected performance of the E-ELT optical systems.

Citation Download Citation

M. Cayrel "E-ELT optomechanics: overview", Proc. SPIE 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV, 84441X (17 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925175

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