Control model for a large optical membrane mirror with inner ring control

Large membrane mirror technology is of great interest for a large, lightweight telescope application. The membrane mirror technology is driven by the expectation of achieving very large optics with lower costs, through reductions in structural mass and volume. A key component for success of membranes used as optical telescopes is the control and maintenance of the accuracy of the membrane mirror surface. This is especially difficult when operating within a vibration environment. Thus, an inner control ring for control purposes is being conceived to control and dampen any vibration issues associated with a large, lightweight membrane mirror. The vibration control of a large, lightweight membrane mirror is a new challenge, which has not previously been addressed. This paper will give a description of a computer model, which will be used to design the inner control ring. This paper will also illustrate how the models were arrived at and will show some possible control schemes, which will be implemented at a future date. The research goal is to develop an autonomous optical figure acquisition and control model for any future large, lightweight membrane mirror design.