Abstract

Subject of study. A novel approach for implementing technological and certification interferometric-accuracy shape control of large-sized aspherical surfaces in monolithic and composite mirrors using cylindrical axial compensator holograms generated by a computer is studied. The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive suite of technological methods and tools that utilize cylindrical on-axis computer-generated holograms. This innovation aims to overcome the inherent limitations on the size of monolithic and composite mirrors in modern optical telescopes, enabling laser-holographic shape control of their large-sized aspherical surfaces. Method. This study employs laser holography to assess the shape of optical component surfaces using cylindrical on-axis computer-generated compensator holograms. It integrates the decoding of interferograms and construction of the surface topography under examination, followed by the creation of replica holograms through precise replication or embossing techniques. Main results. New technical and methodological solutions have been suggested to address the challenge of shape control for large-sized aspheric surfaces in monolithic and composite telescope mirrors, with the aim of eliminating size constraints. The proposed strategies offer significant cost reductions (by an order of magnitude or more) for compensator holograms and their associated control operations. Additionally, the impact of diamond tool wear on the precision of diffraction structure cutting in cylindrical master holograms has been minimized. The use of thin-film cylindrical on-axis computer-generated replica holograms has also been explored as a means to control and align the shape of mirrors in space-based optical telescopes. Practical relevance. The suggested methods are designed for application in the precision interferometric technology and calibration control of large-sized aspheric surfaces on monolithic and composite telescope mirrors, adaptable for both workshop environments and in-space conditions. The employment of cylindrical on-axis computer-generated compensator holograms, primarily as replica holograms, enables the non-contact acquisition of shape accuracy data for large-sized aspheric surfaces by profiling individual sections. These methods are expected to significantly decrease the time and energy expenditure involved in producing compensator holograms, thereby reducing the overall costs.

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