Leibniz Institut für Neue Materialien

LIVE-MIRROR

Keywords: 
ASTROPHYSICS
NON-LINEAR OPTICS
Ultra-light, self-correcting, “live” mirrors: lowering the areal density of mirrors and maximizing performance with non-abrasive, additive, 3D-printed novel technology
Project Leader: 
CNRS
INSA’s scientific leader: 
Jean-Fabien CAPSAL

The project aims to develop ultra-light, self-correcting mirrors for use in the next generation of large optical telescopes and solar energy concentrators. Presently, the best mirrors have a density of about one-half a metric-ton per square-meter or more in order to provide the stiffness which is necessary to keep the optical shape under the variable conditions given by the changing gravity vector as the telescopes track a position on the sky, as well as to withstand variable wind conditions.

INSA Challenge: 
Transport : Structures, Infrastructures et Mobilités
Partners: 
FUNDACION AITIIP
Neotech AMT
Leibniz Institut für Neue Materialien
Funding Institution: 
COMMISSION EUROPEENE
Dates - Duration: 
2023-02-01 00:00:00 to 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Funding: 
3334517
Contact: 
jean-fabien.capsal@insa-lyon.fr
Chapo: 
The Live-Mirror project aims to study ultra-lightweight "live" self-correcting mirrors, with a specific focus on reducing the surface density of the mirrors and maximizing performance through a new additive 3D technology that is non-abrasive.