Segmented mirror and method of controlling the same.

摘要

A segmented mirror control system is presented wherein an array of structural elements (e.g. mirrors) can be actively positioned to maintain an accurate pre-determined overall shape. The present invention is "active" and so may be characterized as an Active Segmented Mirror Control "ASMC". The segments of a mirror or the reflecting panels, in for example, a radiotelescope, may be continually adjusted with ASMC to provide an accurate reflecting mirror of very large diameter even when disturbed by external forces. ASMC is a closed loop control system. That is, an array of sensors is first used to measure differential position errors. This data is then processed to determine position actuator commands. Finally, these commands are used to move the segments until the sensors are nulled and the desired shape is obtained. <IMAGE>