Paper 14145-252
Paper 14145-252
Thermal Modulation Test (TMT) method and recent results in the mini-Precision Thermal Control (PTC) testbed
8 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) requires an ultra-stable optical telescope. Critical to this need is thermos-optical stability of the primary mirror assembly. To meet this need, MSFC’s Center for Mirror System Characterization and Acceptance Testing has developed and demonstrated a picometer sensitivity milli-kelvin thermal modulation test (TMT) method that can measure a mirror’s thermal response to thermal stimuli with a noise floor of 0.2 to 0.5 picometers per mK. Additionally, MSFC has build an 80-cm mini-PTC (Precision Thermal Control) testbed with 25-zones of active thermal control. This paper reviews the TMT method, mini-PTC capability and presents test results from ULE® and borosilicate mirrors.
Presenter
NASA Marshall Space Flight Ctr. (United States)
H. Philip Stahl, senior optical physicist at NASA MSFC, is a leading authority in optical systems engineering and metrology. He matures technology for large space telescopes; was responsible for Webb Telescope mirror fabrication and certification; and developed the “Stahl” telescope cost model. He is a recipient of NASA’s DSM; a fellow of SPIE and OSA; and the SPIE 2014 President. He earned his PhD in 1985, his MS degree in optical science from the University of Arizona in 1983, and his BA degree in physics/mathematics from Wittenberg University in 1979.