Static and Dynamic Responses of an Ultra-Thin, Adaptive Secondary Mirror

Abstract

We present the results of a complete set of static and dynamic runs of the FEA model of the MMT adaptive secondary. The thin mirror is the most delicate component of the MMT adaptive secondary unit, as it provides the deformable optical surface able to correct the incoming wavefront. The static performances are evaluated as a function of the various load cases arising from gravitational loads and from the forces deriving from the magnetic interactions between actuators. In addition, computations were performed to assess the dynamic response to the high bandwidth, adaptive correcting forces. In both cases, the performances of the adaptive mirror design are able to accommodate the severe specifications. Keywords: Adaptive optics, deformable mirror, adaptive secondary mirror, electromagnetic actuator, FEA 1. INTRODUCTION In this paper we discuss the most recent results of the mechanical studies of the deformable mirror (DM) of the upgraded MMT adaptive secondary unit, whose general con..