Integrated modeling of large, segmented telescopes with ultra-stable wavefronts

Abstract

The recently released Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommends an IROUV space telescope that can observe potential exoEarths. This ambitious science goal requires a telescope with wavefront stability on the order of picometers in certain spatial and temporal modes. The Ultra-Stable Large Telescope Research and Analysis – Technology Maturation (ULTRATM) program has matured key component-level technologies for “ultra-stable optical systems” by demonstrating performance in the required regime via hardware testbeds. This paper will describe a new integrated modeling effort to incorporate these results into a stability simulation of an ultra-stable telescope, including segment sensing and control of the primary mirror using actuators and edge sensors and global position control of the secondary and phased primary mirrors with laser metrology. This simulation is grounded in demonstrated component capability and is a key step in refining performance requirements to achieve the desired wavefront stability and raising the conceptual and technical maturity of an ultra-stable telescope.