Segmented mirror

A segmented mirror is an array of smaller mirrors designed to act as segments of a single large curved mirror. The segments can be either spherical or asymmetric (if they are part of a larger parabolic reflector). They are used as objectives for large reflecting telescopes. To function, all the mirror segments have to be polished to a precise shape and actively aligned by a computer-controlled active optics system using actuators built into the mirror support cell. The concept and necessary technologies were initially developed under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Nelson at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of California during the 1980s, and have since spread worldwide to the point that essentially all future large optical telescopes plan to use segmented mirrors.
Application.
There is a technological limit for primary mirrors made of a single rigid piece of glass. Such non-segmented, or "monolithic mirrors" can not be constructed larger than about eight meters in diameter. The largest monolithic mirror in use are currently the two primary mirrors of the Large Binocular Telescope, each with a diameter of 8.4 meters. The use of segmented mirrors is therefore a key component for large-aperture telescopes. Using a monolithic mirror much larger than 5 meters is prohibitively expensive due to the cost of both the mirror, and the massive structure needed to support it. A mirror beyond that size would also sag slightly under its own weight as the telescope was rotated to different positions, changing the precision shape of the surface. Segments are also easier to fabricate, transport, install, and maintain over very large monolithic mirrors.
Segmented mirrors do have the drawback that each segment may require some precise asymmetrical shape, and rely on a complicated computer-controlled mounting system. All of the segments also cause diffraction effects in the final image.
Telescopes using segmented mirrors.
Some of the largest optical telescopes in the world use segmented primary mirrors. These include, but are not limited to the following telescopes:
Next generation telescopes.
Three extremely large telescopes will be the next generation of segmented mirror telescopes and are planned to be commissioned between 2021 and 2024. The Giant Magellan Telescope, uses very large segments and is either grouped with segmented mirrors telescopes or its own category. Planned for completion in 2021. The Thirty meter telescope is being built at the Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii (estimated first-light by 2022). The European Extremely Large Telescope will be the largest of all three, using a total of 798 segments for its primary mirror. Its first-light is expected for 2024.