ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10869
Open Date: 15/07/2021 14:26 CEST
Closing Date: 10/09/2021 13:00 CEST

To develop an optimization tool for freeform mirrors defined with Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines.Mathematically, the definition of freeform surfaces can be represented by NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines) with higher accuracy than other polynomials. There is a lack of capabilities in commercial optical analysis tools for accurately modelling such surfaces with NURBS. The analysis performed for estimating the performance impact on imaging systems due to variations in structural and thermal conditions are dependent on how accurately the output of Thermal and Structural analysis is implemented within optical analysis. At present, the surface deformation is presented by approximations using several suitable polynomials such as Zernike, Q-polynomials etc. The implementation of NURBS for freeform optical mirrors within optical analysis tools will reduce approximation errors use in representing the optical surfaces, therefore reducing the turnaround time for the manufacturing of free form mirrors. The activity encompasses the following tasks: – Implementing an user defined surface using NURBS in a commercial optical tool, – Establishing optimisation loops to find the fastest and best solutions for a group of optical design schemes, – Performance comparison against other polynomials such as Zernike, – Extract the surface sag for manufacturing drawings.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to this link.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Gian Lorenzo Casini
Initiating Service: TEC-MMO
IP Measure: C1
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 16-A-II-Optical Design Performance Evaluation and Analysis
Products Keywords: 2-I-2-a-Telescopes / 2-I-3-a-Imaging radiometers / 2-I-3-b-Imaging spectrometers / 2-I-3-f-Optical Telescopes