Prospects for developing Cassegrain telescopes with a corrector in convergent beams

Abstract

This paper analyzes methods and prospects for developing telescopes with a corrector in convergent beams. The paper distinguishes the main types of systems with spherical optics that are suitable as a basis for developing commercial telescopes with small effective apertures. The advantages and disadvantages of such telescopes are investigated in detail. The construction principles of the optical systems of Cassegrain telescopes with a meniscus corrector as the secondary reflection element are discussed. The characteristic features and the history of the development of individual types of these systems are analyzed in detail. Prospects for the further development of such telescopes are outlined, and a basis is provided for a region of observational astronomy in which they may be applicable. © 2004 Optical Society of America