Re: ATM Off axis Parabolas

[Andy Saulietis <iss@pvtnetworks.net>]

Frakk asks,
>   I know that you can produce an off axis parabolic  mirror by cutting a 
>I don't know  how you would make one from scratch. Would someone with more
>experience tell me  the method used by the commercial houses? 

The off axis glass parabolic mirrors I know of are all made
bu cutting segments out of a larger mirror, you
get ~6 of these from each full mirror. Of course these cost
*more* each than the original full size mirror..;)

Just guessing, it might be possible to asymmetrically
flex a blank in a rigid frame & then grind/polish
to a figure of revolution which, when removed from
the stressing frame, would be an off axis paraboloid.

Also, laser controlled diamond generating machine
tools can produce just about any shape mirror in metal,
to about 24" size and 1/2 wave accuracy. These are mostly used 
in high power laser applications.


Andy Saulietis
ISS Enterprises
39 Silver Fox Trail
Mayhill NM 88339
505-687-3067 voice
505-687-3021 fax, call voice or e-mail to set up
e-mail: iss@pvtnetworks.net