Revolutionizing Telescope Technology: The Potential of Analog Nano-Tech Mirrors

In summary, Texas Instruments has been manufacturing a two-dimensional display device using nano-technology for high-resolution monitors. This device consists of a binary array of mirrors that can be actuated to lie at different angles. It is now being used in reflecting telescopes with digital control and a bright lamp to illuminate the mirrors. However, a similar device with an analog drive to the mirrors could potentially create a correcting telescope similar to the Kleck telescope. The current technology is not accurate enough for this, so "adaptive optics" techniques are being used instead to adjust the shape of mirrors in real-time to correct for atmospheric disturbances. The latest trend is to apply this technique to secondary mirrors rather than the primary ones.
  • #1
GENIERE
Some may be aware that 10 years ago or so, Texas Instruments began manufacturing a display device using nano-technology. It consists of a two dimensional array of mirrors. Each mirror can be actuated to lie at a different angle. It is strictly a binary device; a mirror is at one or the other position. It is now utilized in high-resolution monitors by using a bright lamp to illuminate the mirrors under digital control, with the reflection shown on a screen.

If a similar device were constructed having an analog drive to the mirrors, it could form the basis for a reflecting telescope. Would it not be possible to use 10s of thousands of such devices to provide a correcting telescope similar to the Kleck telescope?
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by GENIERE
Some may be aware that 10 years ago or so, Texas Instruments began manufacturing a display device using nano-technology. It consists of a two dimensional array of mirrors. Each mirror can be actuated to lie at a different angle. It is strictly a binary device; a mirror is at one or the other position. It is now utilized in high-resolution monitors by using a bright lamp to illuminate the mirrors under digital control, with the reflection shown on a screen.

If a similar device were constructed having an analog drive to the mirrors, it could form the basis for a reflecting telescope. Would it not be possible to use 10s of thousands of such devices to provide a correcting telescope similar to the Kleck telescope?
The "nano-technology" isn't "nano" (small) enough to be accurate to lengths of 0.1 to 0.05 of the wavelength of green light. What they are doing instead is using "adaptive optics" with dozens or hundreds of actuators adjusting the parabola (or hyperbola) shape of mirrors up to several hundred times per second to correct for atmospheric disturbances, changes in temperartue and weight-change in the distribution of the huge mirrors as they move. Of course, this is done by (1) computers or (2) a very small man with very fast reflexes and a joystick...

The latest kick is to leave the primary mirror(s) alone and apply the adaptive optics to the much-smaller secondary (and additional) mirrors. Easier to do on a smaller area and with fewer actuators.
 

1. What is analog nano-tech and how does it relate to telescope technology?

Analog nano-tech refers to the use of nanotechnology in creating structures and devices that mimic the functions of natural systems. In the case of telescope technology, analog nano-tech is used to create highly reflective mirrors on a microscopic scale, allowing for more precise and efficient focusing of light.

2. How can analog nano-tech mirrors revolutionize telescope technology?

Analog nano-tech mirrors have the potential to greatly improve telescope technology by allowing for larger and more sensitive mirrors to be created at a lower cost. This would result in telescopes with higher resolution and sensitivity, allowing for the detection of fainter objects and more detailed observations.

3. What are the advantages of using analog nano-tech mirrors over traditional mirrors?

Analog nano-tech mirrors offer many advantages over traditional mirrors, including a smoother surface, higher reflectivity, and the ability to create larger mirrors with fewer defects. They also have the potential to be more lightweight and durable, making them ideal for use in space telescopes.

4. Are there any potential drawbacks to using analog nano-tech mirrors in telescope technology?

One potential drawback is the cost of producing analog nano-tech mirrors, as it requires advanced technology and specialized equipment. There may also be challenges in scaling up production to meet the demands of large telescopes. Additionally, the long-term reliability and stability of these mirrors may need to be further studied.

5. What are some potential applications for analog nano-tech mirrors in telescope technology?

Analog nano-tech mirrors have a wide range of potential applications in telescope technology. They could be used to improve the resolution and sensitivity of ground-based telescopes, allowing for more detailed observations of distant objects. They could also be used in space telescopes to search for habitable exoplanets, study the origins of the universe, and gather data on dark matter and dark energy.

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