The science
Real principle. Concave mirror segments redirect a plane wave toward a shared focus. Piston errors introduce phase differences.
Textbook equations. θ = 1.22λ/D rad; angular readout = θ × 206265 arcsec. f = ND m, with illustrative focal ratio N = 2.5. Plate scale = 206265/(1000f) arcsec/mm.
For illustrative segment heights hᵢ, σ = 2√mean[(hᵢ − mean h)²] nm. The factor of two assumes reflection near normal incidence. The normalized height pattern has unit RMS, so the independent check is σ = 2h.
S ≈ exp[−(2πσ/λ)²] is a small-error Strehl estimate. It is not a computed diffraction pattern. The circular-aperture resolution is a reference scale; gaps, the central opening and segment diffraction are omitted.
Engineering reconstruction. Mirror cell, service boom, three supports per facet, sensors and cabinets are illustrative. The open test head is not a complete astronomical optical train. There are no speculative physics components.
Simplified representation. Parabolic faces use a scaled focal distance; actuator travel is exaggerated. Light paths are geometric sketches. The alignment button is an eased correction, not a validated controller. All dimensions and readout inputs are illustrative unless labelled textbook; model lengths are scaled.
Illustrative design, not affiliated with any real institution or manufacturer.