Primary mirror manufacturing considerations for a space-based coherent lidar

The measurement of winds from a space borne platform is of significant scientific importance to both weather prediction and climate research. One of the key technologies embodied in coherent detection of winds from space is the use of large aperture, compact, lightweight, high-quality wavefront, photon-efficiency optics. This paper discusses the optical design, the mechanical design, material preference, diamond turning issues, polishing requirements, and coating selections for the primary mirror of a 25X afocal beam expander intended for use in space-based coherent lidar systems.