Alignment of Korsch telescope using laser radar-measured optical axis of aspheric primary mirror

Precise alignment in Korsch telescopes is crucial due to the complex design and intricate aspheric primary mirror. Conventional alignment methods using wavefront sensors often encounter difficulties with obstructions from secondary components, leading to potential inaccuracies and suboptimal solutions. This study introduces a novel alignment methodology utilizing laser radar technology and an integrated metrology system to capture the three-dimensional surface profile of the aspheric primary mirror and other components. The methodology includes strategic placement of multiple laser radars and additional laser trackers and autocollimators for comprehensive measurement and continuous monitoring. This approach significantly reduces alignment errors, enhances precision, and accelerates the alignment process. The results show that deviations of main mirrors under varying gravity conditions closely match finite element analysis, validating the robustness of the alignment in zero-gravity environments. The ability to detect and compensate for gravitational effects ensures optimal performance, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. This research presents a significant advancement in optical engineering, providing a reliable and efficient alignment technique for complex optical systems.