Paper 14145-112
Paper 14145-112
A novel STOP Analysis computation: the Ariel case
5 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
The finite element model (FEM) for optically processing the
deformation field of a telescope structure allows for the calculation
of all optically relevant data within a single simulation run. This
paper focuses on a method for computing the impact of structural
deformations on ray tracing for the Ariel Space Telescope. These
deformations arise from external factors such as the gravity field
during ground tests and thermal distortions during operational
observations.
Once the ray tracing calculations are completed, the resulting
data is processed to estimate key optical performance metrics,
including the collimated beam, aberrations, spot diagram,
and point spread function. The method presented in this paper,
which is based on a multi-physics approach, effectively addresses
classical geometrical optics challenges once the structural mechanics
solution is obtained. This makes it an ideal tool for a comprehensive
Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis.
Presenter
INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri (Italy)
Mechanical engineer Ciro Del Vecchio joined the Arcetri Astrophysical
Observatory in 1987 after earning his degree from the University of
Pisa. He became a staff researcher in 1988 and an associate astronomer
in 1998. Del Vecchio contributed to the structural design of the LBT
telescope and is part of its Italian project office. He has been a
member of the Arcetri AO Group since the '90s, designing adaptive
secondary mirrors for MMT and LBT telescopes. He collaborated on
the SRT and designed various optical and infrared instruments with
international partners. Del Vecchio also developed the electro-magnetic
design of the ELT AO system’s deformable mirror and is currently
involved in the Ariel space telescope and WST designs.