INVESTIGATION OF PLASTIC REPLICA MIRROR OPTICAL COMPONENTS.
Abstract
In the present state of the art, it is not practicable to produce plastic replica spherical and aspherical mirrors to be used in place of conventional glass components, except in the case of energy-collecting components with apertures of six inches or less with optical precision considerably less than required for image-forming applications. The basic problems of this investigation have been materials problems concerning the life of glass master mirrors and concerning the adjustment of resin properties to produce satisfactory replicas. To make much more improvement, future work should investigate three areas: (1) Alternate material for master mirrors; (2) Alternate techniques, such as making the negative by casting a thin layer of resin between an insert and the master mirror and (3) A much more sophisticated look at the conditions of temperature, shrinkage and expansion which occur during a casting and curing cycle. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0613530