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MMT Integration

After the MMT 6.5-m mirror was polished, it was fitted into the mirror cell containing its final support system. The mirror cell contains 104 pneumatic actuators which float the mirror against the forces of gravity and wind to maintain its precise parabolic shape. The forces on these actuators can be monitored with load cells and adjusted using the techniques of "active optics" to optimize the shape of the mirror. 


Site Designed and Maintained by: Peter Wehinger

Text: Jim Burge, J. M. Hill, Buddy Martin, and Peter Wehinger
Graphics: Lori Stiles, Peter Wehinger, John Hill, Ray Bertram, Steve Miller, Evan Richards, J. Peter Van Duyne, and Rod Carender

Last Modified: 11:29:37 AM MST Oct 16 2009

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