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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential of analog nano-tech mirrors for revolutionizing telescope technology, specifically in creating a reflecting telescope akin to the Kleck telescope. Texas Instruments' existing binary mirror technology, which utilizes a two-dimensional array of mirrors for high-resolution displays, serves as a foundation for this concept. By employing analog drives instead of binary controls, it is feasible to utilize tens of thousands of these mirrors to enhance telescope performance. Current advancements in adaptive optics, which adjust mirror shapes rapidly to counteract atmospheric disturbances, further support this innovative approach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Nano-technology applications in optics
  • Understanding of adaptive optics principles
  • Familiarity with telescope design and functionality
  • Knowledge of mirror actuation mechanisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implementation of analog drives in optical devices
  • Explore advancements in adaptive optics for telescopes
  • Investigate the design and functionality of the Kleck telescope
  • Study the impact of atmospheric disturbances on telescope performance
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, optical engineers, and researchers interested in telescope technology and advancements in adaptive optics will benefit from this discussion.

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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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.