Slewing Mirror Telescope optics for the early observation of UV/optical photons from Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract

We report on design, manufacture, and testing of a Slewing Mirror Telescope (SMT), the first of its kind and a part of Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory-pathfinder (UFFO-p) for space-based prompt measurement of early UV/optical light curves from Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). Using a fast slewing mirror of 150 mm diameter mounted on a 2 axis gimbal stage, SMT can deliver the images of GRB optical counterparts to the intensified CCD detector within 1.5 similar to 1.8 s over +/- 35 degrees in the slewing field of view. Its Ritchey-Chretien telescope of 100 mm diameter provides a 17 x 17 arcmin(2) instantaneous field of view. Technical details of design, construction, the laboratory performance tests in space environments for this unique SMT are described in conjunction with the plan for in-orbit operation onboard the Lomonosov satellite in 2013. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America