New paradigm for rapid production of large precision optics: frozen membrane mirror technology

Traditional mirror manufacturing, particularly for astronomical purposes, requires substantial lead time, due to the nature of the materials and the grinding/polishing process. We propose a new technique for rapid, low-cost production of large, lightweight precision optics by fusing several technologies which in combination we call frozen membrane mirror technology (FMMT). FMMT combines well-understood subsystem technologies, including electrostatic control of membrane mirrors, adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, and inflatable structures technology to shorten production time. The basic technique is to control the surface of a reflective coated membrane mirror with electrostatic actuation and wavefront sensor feedback and freeze the membrane shape. We discuss the details of the concept and present results of early lab testing. We focus on the optical regime, but this technology has applicability from the microwave to x-ray spectral bands. Starting with a flexible membrane mirror, one can envision techniques for deployment of large apertures in space.