Re: [ATM] Use of bearings in (static) mirror cells

["Don Clement" <clement.focuser@verizon.net>]

> ... There is a variety of different kinds of MICROSCOPIC
> MOVEMENT of the mirror in the cell; a bearing offers no resistance to
these
> microscopic movements, allowing the mirror to settle, with no strain, ...

Flexures are the ideal bearing for a mirror cell. Flexures work not only at
the microscopic level but also at the molecular level. The movement of a
flexure is intermolecular within the solid. Flexures can have zero stiction
almost immeasurable friction. Unlike other bearing types, flexures are
almost immune to environmental conditions and contamination. Flexures need
no lubrication. An RTV blob is one type of flexure. But there are many other
geometric forms for flexures and material types. If the RTV blob alone does
not offer sufficient rigidity then perhaps additional flexures in
conjunction with a thin layer of RTV would suit the requirements of rigidity
in the needed direction.



Don Clement

Running Springs, California

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