2009/03/09 by Sean A. Barton, Barton, Sean A., Ian L. Winger +1
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Optics (physics.optics) #physics.optics
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0903.1601
15 pages, 12 figures, 1 table
arxiv created 2009/03/09 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01
Parabolic and spherical mirrors are constructed of aluminized PET polyester film on urethane foam. During construction, the chosen shape of the mirror is created by manipulating the elastic/plastic behavior of the film with air pressure. Foam is then applied to the film and, once hardened, air pressure is removed. At an f-number of 0.68, preliminary models have an optical angular spread of less than 0.25 degrees, a factor of 3.3 smaller than that for a perfectly spherical mirror. The possibility exists for creating large-lightweight mirrors with excellent shape and stiffness. These "film-on-foam" construction techniques may also be applicable to parabolic-trough solar concentrators but do not appear to be suitable for optical imaging applications because of irregularities in the film.