Development of a carbon fibre composite active mirror: Design and   testing
  Carbon fibre composite technology for lightweight mirrors is gaining increasing interest in the space- and ground-based astronomical communities for its low weight, ease of manufacturing, excellent thermal qualities and robustness. We present here first results of a project to design and produce a 27 cm diameter deformable carbon fibre composite mirror. The aim was to produce a high surface form accuracy as well as low surface roughness. As part of this programme, a passive mirror was developed to investigate stability and coating issues. Results from the manufacturing and polishing process are reported here. We also present results of a mechanical and thermal finite element analysis, as well as early experimental findings of the deformable mirror. Possible applications and future work are discussed. 
S. Kendrew (UCL), P. Doel (UCL), D. Brooks (UCL), C. Dorn (Qinetiq),   C. Yates (Qinetiq), R.M. Dwan (Qinetiq), I. Richardso...