The Classical Cassegrain Telescope System

The classical Cassegrain system is composed of two reflective mirrors: a concave parabolic primary mirror and a convex hyperbolic secondary mirror. The focus of the parabolic mirror coincides with the virtual focus of the hyperbolic mirror, and the light converges at the real focus after passing through the hyperbolic mirror.

The typical configuration of the Cassegrain system involves a central hole in the primary mirror. As shown in the diagram, light enters from the left side of the Cassegrain system, passes through the primary and secondary mirrors, and converges behind the primary mirror. Due to the parabolic nature of the primary mirror, parallel light converges at the focal point of the parabolic surface. The focal point of the parabolic mirror coincides with the focus of the hyperbolic secondary mirror, and the light subsequently converges at the virtual focus of the hyperbolic surface.

Given the isoplanatic properties of the parabolic and hyperbolic surfaces, no aberrations are introduced, resulting in high-quality imaging. The Cassegrain system is compact in length, and the field curvature of the primary and secondary mirrors has opposite signs, which enhances the system’s ability to achieve a wide field of view.

Bena Optics excels in the manufacturing of large-aperture reflective mirrors, a key component in the Cassegrain telescope system. Our advanced fabrication processes and precision metrology ensure that each mirror meets the highest optical standards, delivering exceptional performance and reliability.

Bena Optics’ large-aperture mirrors are crafted with unparalleled precision, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as ultra-precision grinding, polishing, and advanced coating techniques. These mirrors are designed to maintain the strict tolerances required for parabolic and hyperbolic geometries, ensuring the system’s ability to focus light accurately without introducing aberrations.

Our expertise extends to the production of mirrors with apertures ranging from small to extremely large sizes, making Bena Optics a trusted partner for applications in astronomy, defense, and other high-precision optical systems.

The classical Cassegrain telescope system, with its compact design and high-quality imaging capabilities, has long been a cornerstone of advanced optical systems. Bena Optics’ expertise in large-aperture mirror manufacturing ensures that these systems deliver optimal performance, even in the most demanding applications.

By integrating Bena Optics’ precision mirrors into the Cassegrain design, clients can achieve unparalleled imaging quality and system efficiency. As we continue to innovate, Bena Optics remains at the forefront of optical technology, driving advancements in reflective optics and telescope systems.