A mounting and alignment approach for Constellation-X mirror segments

William A. Podgorski; David R. Caldwell; Mark D. Freeman; William N. Davis; Paul B. Reid; Scott Rohrbach; William Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.789891

15 July 2008 A mounting and alignment approach for Constellation-X mirror segments

William A. Podgorski, David R. Caldwell, Mark D. Freeman, William N. Davis, Paul B. Reid, Scott Rohrbach, William Zhang

Proceedings Volume 7011, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray; 701112 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789891
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The four Constellation-X Spectroscopy X-ray Telescopes require four sets of 2,600 thin mirror segments be supported with minimum deformation and aligned with arc-second level accuracy. We have developed a support and alignment system that minimizes segment deformation and allows the mirror segments to be made confocal. This system relies upon a set of five mirror support points at each of the forward and aft ends of each segment. The support points are radially adjustable so as to be able to modify the segment cone angles, thereby correcting any focal length errors. Additional adjustments enable correction of segment centration and tilts to correct co-alignment errors and minimize comatic aberration. The support and alignment system is described and results are presented. Included are data demonstrating minimal levels of figure distortion. Results are compared with error budget allocations.

Citation Download Citation

William A. Podgorski, David R. Caldwell, Mark D. Freeman, William N. Davis, Paul B. Reid, Scott Rohrbach, and William Zhang "A mounting and alignment approach for Constellation-X mirror segments", Proc. SPIE 7011, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 701112 (15 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789891

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