The Vera Rubin Observatory (VRO) is gearing up for its first light with the completion of its massive digital camera and the coating of its unique primary/tertiary mirror. This innovative mirror design combines two optical surfaces with different curvatures into one structure, reducing engineering complexity without compromising light-gathering capability. The mirror’s reflective silver coating process was carefully planned and executed by Senior Coating Engineer Tomislav Vucina and his team. The coating chamber, specifically built for this purpose, will ensure the mirror’s longevity and effectiveness during the telescope’s decade-long Legacy Survey of Space and Time. The VRO’s cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize astronomical research with its ability to detect faint and distant objects.
https://www.universetoday.com/166842/vera-rubins-primary-mirror-gets-its-first-reflective-coating/