Process for manufacturing an athermal low cost telescope based on high precision replication technology, and such telescope

A method for manufacturing a telescope that simultaneously is athermal, lightweight, with a good optical quality for visible and IR applications and manufacturable at low cost and with a fast process in high volumes and compact with low F number at no extra cost, the method comprising:

• a) making optical mirrors including a primary mirror and a secondary mirror by immersing a master, that is an optical component with a curvature opposite to the mirror required, but with the same required optical quality in terms of surface shape and roughness, into an electrolytic bath where the applied current transfers metal ions and deposit them on the master, which is made of low expansion material, the cathode, so the thin layer of metal deposited on the cathode whose thickness may range from a few microns to a few millimetres forms the optical surface of the mirror,
• b) bonding the layer by an adhesive, solder or any other attachment process to a mechanical reinforcing structure which is made of material including Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP), Silicon-Carbide (SiC) or Carbon-fiber reinforced silicon carbide, or a combination thereof,
• c) after the hardening of the bond or glue, releasing the thin layer from the master while maintaining the optical quality of the master.