Enablement and optimization of next generation ground and spaceborne telescope mirrors and structures through engineering and manufacturing advances at SCHOTT AG

ZERODUR® provides ultimate dimensional stability in monolithic and homogeneous forms ready for the next-generation of requirements for ground and spaceborne mirrors. Already ZERODUR® is providing nearly 10^3 matching meter-class mirrors for ELT and is now the baseline optical material for NASA’s HabEx coronagraph 4-meter diameter lightweight mirror needing 10 picometer stability for 10^3 seconds. We will describe the utility to the optical designer of SCHOTT’s newly dedicated “world class” ZERODUR® competence center capable of machining and precisely characterizing monolithic lightweight mirrors through 4-meter sizes. This facility, and refined manufacturing methods, enable cost-critical missions to evoke design-to-cost paradigms. Both mirror designers and optical finishers can expect a better starting point via precision generation of any optical form on a mirror’s specular surface while minimizing sub-surface damage. Complimentary engineering studies will be discussed.