Optical Surfaces: Hyperbolic Mirrors for Earth Observation Satellites

Optical Surfaces Ltd is a leading manufacturer of high precision hyperbolic mirrors that are used in satellite-based telescopes to collect and focus light enabling high-resolution remote observation in applications including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral prospecting, environment, forestry and disaster management.
 

 Hyperbolic secondary mirror (courtesy: Optical Surfaces Ltd.)
 

Earth observation satellites employ hyperbolic mirrors in their telescope design to allow high optical performance over a large field-of-view in a compact footprint. A hyperbolic secondary mirror is used in Cassegrain telescopes to effectively balance aberrations caused by the shorter focal length of a typically parabolic primary mirror. In addition, in some more extreme low f/ratio applications served by Ritchey-Chretien telescopes, both the primary and secondary mirrors may be hyperbolic.

Drawing upon a uniquely stable production environment - Optical Surfaces skilled optical engineers are able to produce secondary convex hyperbolic mirrors up to 150mm diameter with typical wavefront error of only lambda/20 P-V, surface finish of 10/5 and microroughness of less than 1.2nm RMS. Such customer specified ultra-smooth hyperbolic mirrors can be supplied with a coating exactly optimised for your application. In space borne telescope platforms, where weight is an issue, Optical Surfaces can also produce hyperbolic mirrors with light-weighting options.
 

Illustration of an Earth observation satellite 
 

For further information relating to hyperbolic mirrors for satellite-based telescope systems please visit www.optisurf.com/index.php/products/conic-sections/hyperboloids/ or contact Optical Surfaces Ltd. on +44-208-668-6126 / sales@optisurf.com.

Optical Surfaces Ltd has been producing optical components and systems for astronomical and space research for more than 50 years. The company’s ISO 9001-2015 approved manufacturing workshops and test facilities are deep underground in a series of tunnels excavated in solid chalk where temperature remains constant and vibration is practically non-existent. With such stable conditions testing, particularly with long path lengths, becomes quantifiable and reliable.

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Worldwide HQ

Optical Surfaces Ltd.
Godstone Road
Kenley
Surrey CR8 5AA
UK
tel. +44-208-668-6126
email sales@optisurf.com
web www.optisurf.com