Optomechanical mounts for large lenses

Develop and optimize in Europe the methods to mount large optical lenses and elements requiring high accuracy and thermo-mechanical stability. The peculiarity of mechanical mounts of lenses for space is to achieve the mechanical robustness while keeping low contamination and stress on the glass when the optical systems are exposed to temperature variation, vibrations and shocks.  

The technology for the mounting of optical components has become more challenging in the past years due to the more stringent requirements for positioning accuracy and long-term stability. In addition, requirements on cleanliness limit standard mounting techniques used on commercial optics based on adhesives. Space missions that are becoming more and more demanding tend to use larger refractive elements, such as lenses and gratings. Furthermore, the materials used in the UV or infrared wavelength spectrum have poor mechanical properties, and are susceptible to plastic deformation. The following tasks shall be performed: design and development of mounts for large lens, e.g. 200 mm diameter. breadboarding activities of at least two mounting concepts to cover UV and infrared applications perform thermal-vacuum and vibration tests of the breadboards perform optical tests as stability of the wave front, polarization, birefringence, stress measurement at the interface between the optical element of the mount. The lessons learnt of the activity will be used for the definition of the methodology for mounting large refractive elements for space. The methodology will cover:1) Description and design files3) Manufacturing process and procedures4) Recommendations and guidelines