Abstract: | We present the mechanical and actuator design of an adaptive secondary mirror that matches the optical requirements of the active and adaptive corrections. Conceived for the particular implementation for the 6.5-m conversion of the multiple-mirror telescope, with small variations of the input parameters this study is suitable for applications for telescopes of the same class. We found that a three-layer structure, i.e., a thin deformable shell, a thick reference plate, and a third plate that acts as actuator support and heat sink, is able to provide the required mechanical stability and actuator density. We also found that a simple electromagnetic actuator can be used. This actuator, when optimized, will dissipate a typical power of a few tenths of watts. |