Kinematically engaged yoke system for segmented lens-based space telescope integration and testing

Marcos Esparza, Heejoo Choi, Nicholas Brar, Zichan Wang, Youngsik Kim, Chuck Fellows, Mingab Bog, Gunhee Kim, Allen Yi, Tom D. Milster, Dániel Apai, Daewook Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

One of the most profound and philosophically captivating foci of modern astronomy is the study of Earth-like exoplanets in the search for life in the Universe. The paradigm-shifting investigation described here calls for a new type of scalable space telescope that redefines the available light-collecting area in space. The Nautilus Space Observatory, enabled by multiple-order diffractive optics (the MODE lens), is ushering in the advent of large space telescope lenses designed to search for biosignatures on a thousand exo-earths. The Kinematically Engaged Yoke System (KEYS) was developed to align a segmented version of the MODE lens. A technology demonstration prototype of KEYS was built and tested using scanning white light interferometry and deflectometry. A deflectometry system was also developed to monitor the closed-loop alignment of the segmented MODE lens during its UV (i.e., Ultraviolet) curing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Alignment
  • KEYS
  • MODE Lens
  • Nautilus
  • Space Telescope

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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