Building an efficient linear-array imager prototype

Abstract

Reflecting surfaces constitute telescopes which serve as artificial eyes for astronomers to study celestial objects. Their smoothness and figure define the quality of their focusing capacity. Various loads such as wind, thermal and gravity act to deform the figure of the reflectors, especially the primary, and thereby degrade the telescope performance. The back-up structures help to define and retain the desired shapes and relative positions of the reflecting surfaces. The aim of backup structure design is to achieve the desired performance with minimal weight and complexity and thereby with minimal cost. Recently, a new optics entitled Efficient Linear-array Imager has been proposed to optimally use receivers for imaging the skies. A prototype is being made to demonstrate its feasibility. In this paper, we present our backup structure solution for this prototype telescope.