[ATM] Maksutov Corrector Cell Design

["Gregg Swanson" <gswanson@microsoft.com>]

Hello,

 

I am designing the mechanical components for a Maksutov telescope in
particular I am working on the corrector cell.

 

I am using Fillmore's booklet "Construction of a Maksutov Telescope" as
my primary reference; page 11 (Figure 15) he show a machined aluminum
cell. It appears based on the his diagram and text that the R2 surface
of the corrector rests directly on the aluminum cell.

 

Is it safe to have a corrector resting directly on the aluminum? Is it
safer to have the cell rest on a "protective" gasket? 

 

Should the surface that is contact with the R2 surface of the corrector
be machined to match the R2 radius of the corrector or is a close enough
angle good enough?

 

In Fillmore's book he shows the edge of the corrector and the beveled
portion of the corrector protected with a gasket; he used black
electrical tape.

 

Is "black electrical tape" a good gasket material; does anyone have a
better or more appropriate material?

 

Fillmore elected to not have a mechanism to collimate his corrector; is
that prudent? If my tube and cell are machined to be "DEAD TRUE" can I
avoid a collimation mechanism for the corrector? I do plan to provide a
collimation mechanism for the primary mirror but that is a different
topic. 

 

Thanks in advance for all advice, opinions and other comments...

 

Thanks,

Gregg Swanson

gswanson@microsoft.com

 

 

 

 

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