ULTRA-LIGHT, SELF-CORRECTING, “LIVE” MIRRORS: Lowering the areal density of mirr...
ULTRA-LIGHT, SELF-CORRECTING, “LIVE” MIRRORS: Lowering the areal density of mirrors and maximizing performance with non-abrasive, additive, 3D-printed novel technology.
We propose to develop ultralight, self-correcting mirrors for use in the next generation of large optical telescopes and solar energy concentrators. Presently, the best mirrors have a density of about one-half a metric-ton per sq...
We propose to develop ultralight, self-correcting mirrors for use in the next generation of large optical telescopes and solar energy concentrators. Presently, the best mirrors have a density of about one-half a metric-ton per square-meter or more in order to provide the stiffness which is necessary to keep the optical shape under the variable conditions given by the changing gravity vector as the telescopes track a position on the sky, as well as to withstand variable wind conditions. We intend to replace such a massive mirror with a “sandwich” of very light, optically perfect, “fire-glass” (window pane) coated sheets stiffened with layers of Electro-active polymers that can be deposited through additive manufacturing 3D printers. The sheets of glass will be heated to ~800o C in a pressurized, tailored made kiln and allowed to relax (their backside) onto a suitable mould, cast to a predetermined off-axis aspheric (parabolic) shape, while keeping the temperature below the de-vitrification temperature of the glass thus preserving the excellent optical surface quality of fire-glass window pane. Using the addressable energy of the Electro-active polymers will provide not only dynamically self-controlled stiffness but also variable push-pull action real-time multi-sensing controlled and calibrated in order to keep the optical surface to a “live-perfect” shape under general operating conditions. These “Live-Mirrors” shall provide optical surfaces of as high a quality as those of the current best telescopes but with larger dynamic range and a reduction in weight and cost of more than one order of magnitude. Such mirrors will allow the development of 50-100 meter-class telescopes as well as of the next generation of space telescopes. On the ground, they will also offer very low cost options for the next generation of solar energy concentrators and for antennas used for optical communications.ver más
02-11-2024:
Generación Fotovolt...
Se ha cerrado la línea de ayuda pública: Subvenciones destinadas al fomento de la generación fotovoltaica en espacios antropizados en Canarias, 2024
01-11-2024:
ENESA
En las últimas 48 horas el Organismo ENESA ha otorgado 6 concesiones
01-11-2024:
FEGA
En las últimas 48 horas el Organismo FEGA ha otorgado 1667 concesiones
Seleccionando "Aceptar todas las cookies" acepta el uso de cookies para ayudarnos a brindarle una mejor experiencia de usuario y para analizar el uso del sitio web. Al hacer clic en "Ajustar tus preferencias" puede elegir qué cookies permitir. Solo las cookies esenciales son necesarias para el correcto funcionamiento de nuestro sitio web y no se pueden rechazar.
Cookie settings
Nuestro sitio web almacena cuatro tipos de cookies. En cualquier momento puede elegir qué cookies acepta y cuáles rechaza. Puede obtener más información sobre qué son las cookies y qué tipos de cookies almacenamos en nuestra Política de cookies.
Son necesarias por razones técnicas. Sin ellas, este sitio web podría no funcionar correctamente.
Son necesarias para una funcionalidad específica en el sitio web. Sin ellos, algunas características pueden estar deshabilitadas.
Nos permite analizar el uso del sitio web y mejorar la experiencia del visitante.
Nos permite personalizar su experiencia y enviarle contenido y ofertas relevantes, en este sitio web y en otros sitios web.