Telescope Mirror Grinder

Major

Physics

Submission Type

Poster

Area of Study or Work

Physics

Faculty Advisor

Marc Tiritilli

Location

CNS Atrium

Start Date

4-12-2025 11:15 AM

End Date

4-12-2025 12:15 PM

Abstract

Having the tools for students to grind their own telescope lenses and mirrors would be beneficial for projects in optics and photonics, as well as astrophysics and astronomy. Sourcing manufactured materials, especially lenses or mirrors, is typically neither cost -nor time- effective. This project will allow us to avoid this expense and hone student skills. Our goal is to repurpose a retired ceramics wheel into a lens and mirror grinder. In order to accomplish this, we will equip the wheel with a multi-speed motor and add tile tools, a grit shield, and other necessary components. Once we have it assembled, we can measure and calculate precisely the sizes and shapes of lenses to make for use in the observatory or labs.

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Apr 12th, 11:15 AM Apr 12th, 12:15 PM

Telescope Mirror Grinder

CNS Atrium

Having the tools for students to grind their own telescope lenses and mirrors would be beneficial for projects in optics and photonics, as well as astrophysics and astronomy. Sourcing manufactured materials, especially lenses or mirrors, is typically neither cost -nor time- effective. This project will allow us to avoid this expense and hone student skills. Our goal is to repurpose a retired ceramics wheel into a lens and mirror grinder. In order to accomplish this, we will equip the wheel with a multi-speed motor and add tile tools, a grit shield, and other necessary components. Once we have it assembled, we can measure and calculate precisely the sizes and shapes of lenses to make for use in the observatory or labs.