Re-aluminization of 2M Himalayan Chandra Telescope primary mirror

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to establish the general requirements for handling and coating of the primary and secondary mirror of 2M Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at the observatory Mirror Coating facility, Hanle. The optics of the telescope represents the major investment in project time & cost and also must be protected from damage during handling. Safe lifting equipment and procedures for maneuvering the mirror out of the telescope are mandatory. The complete scope of study for aluminization includes, removal of mirror from the telescope, transportation and unloading, mirror preparation (stripping and cleaning), interface with the coating chamber and putting back the mirror into the telescope with the necessary alignment, performance verification tests and tuning the correct warping harness. This report limits the discussions to mechanical handling issues during aluminization.