[AZ-Observing] Re: Image Question
- From: "Matt Luttinen" <mluttinen@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 22:23:51 -0700
I think it might be fair to say that while today's opticians are probably no
"better" than the guys that worked for Parks, Cave, etc, modern equipment
and procedures allow manufacturers to produce *consistent* results at a
higher level of average quality than that of old.
Carl Zambuto has stated that his reputation for high mirror quality results
from extremely tight control of the fabrication process, which includes the
use of "secret" techniques that serve to produce nearly perfect, ultra
smooth surfaces *every time*.
It is true that hand-made optics can also be perfect, but it is also true
that (as far as I know) all of the well-known mirror makers use machines to
grind and polish their glass because they need to produce in quantity.
But, final figuring is usually still done by hand, and therein lies the
magic of mirror grinding . . .
It would be interesting to develop a database of mirror interferograms. I
imagine some nut in a motor home converted into a test lab, cruising to all
the big star parties, and offering to test any and all scope mirrors for
free or a small donation to the dark sky association.
It would be kind of like getting your blood pressure taken at the mall, but
not . . .
Anyone have an extra 32 footer and/or a mobile interferometer?
Matt
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