Evaluation on mirror seeing for AIMS solar telescope

Abstract

The primary mirror of AIMS solar telescope is heated during the observation of the sun, leading to temperature rise of the primary mirror. The temperature difference between the primary mirror and the surrounding air may cause the seeing effect (mirror seeing), which is one of the key factors influencing the image qualities of the telescope. In this paper, the temperature fields of the primary mirror and its surrounding air are simulated by the CFD software on the conditions of different ambient wind speeds, different observational angels of the primary mirror, and the duration of observation. According to the calculation of temperature fields, the mirror seeing on different conditions are analyzed and the necessity of thermal control of the primary mirror is evaluated. The evaluation of the mirror seeing is very helpful for the design of thermal control of the primary mirror.