BATC testbed segmented mirror design, assembly, and operation

Understanding segmented mirror operation is crucial to the development of future space-based optical systems such as the Next Generation Space Telescope. Several non-standard effects must be understood and experienced through simulation and experimentation, including segment-to-segment edge discontinuities, edge diffraction, and segment lateral displacement. Simulation provides an initial understanding of the imaging impacts of these effects, while experimentation supplies the necessary operational experience of measuring and correcting them. An integral assembly within the BATC Wavefront Control Testbed is a quadrant segmented spherical concave mirror that provides the input to the wavefront error sensing subassembly. The segments are individually mounted, with 4 degrees of freedom of automated commandable movement. This paper discusses the design requirements, components, operation, and performance of the mirror and mirror mount assembly.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.