@inproceedings{7fdd968c4520492291f23f0cf9e319c3,
title = "Characterization of the lightweight telescope developed for the NPOI",
abstract = "A 0.4 meter lightweight telescope has been developed as a prototype for a future 1.4 meter telescope to be implemented at the Naval Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI). Using carbon fiber construction for all components, including optics, an order of magnitude reduction in weight is easily obtainable, with the estimated weight of the 1.4 meter telescope being less than 300 pounds. However, lightweight composite materials traditionally offer certain drawbacks, such as different material behavior and vibration characteristics from conventional materials and difficulty in obtaining optical surface quality. This paper describes the characterization of the mechanical properties of the advanced materials used in the construction of these telescopes and includes measurements of the optical figure obtained with carbon fiber construction.",
keywords = "Carbon fiber, Instrumentation, Lightweight, Telescope, Telescope characterization, Telescope optics",
author = "Andrews, {Jonathan R.} and Penado, {F. Ernesto} and Broome, {Scott T.} and Wilcox, {Christopher C.} and Restaino, {Sergio R.} and Ty Martinez and Teare, {Scott W.} and Freddie Santiago",
year = "2006",
doi = "10.1117/12.672565",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "0819463329",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes",
note = "Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes ; Conference date: 24-05-2006 Through 31-05-2006",
}