Prototype testing of a surface heating system for the Gemini 8-m Telescopes

Eric R. Hansen; David Hagelbarger; Earl T. Pearson

doi:10.1117/12.269095

21 March 1997 Prototype testing of a surface heating system for the Gemini 8-m Telescopes

Eric R. Hansen, David Hagelbarger, Earl T. Pearson

Proceedings Volume 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269095
Event: Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, 1996, Landskrona/Hven, Sweden

Abstract

The Gemini Project plans to implement thermal control of the primary mirror using two distinct systems. The first system consists of temperature controlled radiation panels behind the primary mirror that are used to control the bulk temperature of the primary. The second, a surface heating system, will be used to adjust the optical surface temperature by passing an electrical current through the reflective coating. Combining these two systems allows the optical surface temperature of large monolithic mirrors to follow nighttime ambient temperature fluctuations, minimizing mirror seeing effects. To aid in the design of a surface heating system for the Gemini 8-m primary mirror, a development program was initiated. As part of this program, analysis techniques were developed and prototype systems using mirrors up to 1-m were fabricated and tested. This paper reviews the progress and results of this surface heating development program to date.

Citation Download Citation

Eric R. Hansen, David Hagelbarger, and Earl T. Pearson "Prototype testing of a surface heating system for the Gemini 8-m Telescopes", Proc. SPIE 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, (21 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269095

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