Our innovative lightweight sandwich mirrors represent a groundbreaking advancement in astronomical
observation technology, offering an unparalleled combination of efficiency, performance, and value. Renowned
for their lightweight design and superior optical quality, these mirrors have been embraced by prestigious
organizations worldwide, including NASA, SpaceX, the US Army, Princeton University, and California State
Polytechnic University, among others.
Inspired by the design principles of the Hubble Space Telescope — the epitome of advanced telescopic
engineering — our sandwich mirrors set a new standard in the industry. Available in sizes ranging from 12"
to 40" in diameter, they are meticulously crafted to ensure optimal performance under varying observational
conditions.
Thermally Optimized
Our mirrors feature an open core for thermal optimization and a closed back for dynamic stability,
ensuring rapid thermal response. They cool down approximately ten times faster than solid mirrors of
equivalent thickness, significantly reducing thermal lag and minimizing image distortion caused by
temperature gradients.
Exceptional Image Quality
In real-world observations, our lightweight sandwich mirrors surpass both conventional solid and
closed-cell lightweight mirrors in image quality, thanks to their rapid equilibrium with ambient air
temperatures.
Innovative Design
With a simple flotation mounting system, our mirrors are designed to be both lighter (approximately 20%
weight savings) and more cost-effective than traditional solid mirrors, without compromising on
performance. This remarkable price/performance ratio makes our mirrors an unbeatable choice for both
amateur astronomers and professional institutions.
Drastically Reduced "Mirror Seeing" Effects
The primary challenge in telescope mirror design is not the deformation-induced aberrations but the
layer of warm air in front of the primary mirror, which causes "mirror seeing." Our mirrors are
engineered to quickly reach thermal equilibrium with the surrounding air, dramatically reducing image
distortion due to non-uniform refraction.
Simplified Cooling Requirements
Unlike traditional designs that require complex cooling systems to manage thermal conditions, our
lightweight sandwich mirrors achieve thermal equilibrium rapidly without the need for active cooling
systems. This eliminates issues related to micro-vibrations, further enhancing image quality.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the meticulous production process. Each mirror undergoes rigorous
testing to ensure it meets our high standards for thermal performance and optical quality. By focusing on
reducing the thermal time lag and achieving a close thermal match with ambient air temperatures, we ensure that
what is measured in the laboratory translates directly to superior performance in the field.
Our mirrors are not just instruments; they are gateways to exploring the cosmos with unmatched clarity and
precision. Join the ranks of the world's leading astronomers and discover the universe through our revolutionary
lightweight sandwich mirrors.
Hubble Optics 40" f/3.3 sandwich mirror was in operation on September 3, 2023 (picture taken by Steve
Pattie)
A spectacular vision of cosmic creation, this image showcases the Orion Nebula's vibrant heart, where stars
are birthed in a celestial dance. Captured through a meticulous stitch of three full-size frames with the
Hubble Optics HNA18 hyperbolic optics, the precision of the full-frame sensor astounds, retaining the
stellar clarity to the very edges of the frame. Jonathan Rogers marvels, 'Still amazed using a full-frame
sensor, stars are still sharp out to the corners.' A testament to the beauty and wonder of the universe,
taken in Jan 2024 by Jonathan Rogers.
At the Leon Mow Dark Sky Site near Heathcote, Melbourne
"It's been 6 months now since we had first light on what is Australia's largest privately owned telescope.
Situated at the ASV's Leon Mow Dark-Sky Site in a roll off roof observatory, 2 hours north of Melbourne,
the views continue to get better and better since we have learned to manage temperature of the interior of
the observatory prior to using the telescope. There are a lot of objects which have been transformed for
me with this aperture, but the stand-out one to date has to be glimpsing the globular cluster in NGC253
which forms a loose triangle with the two bright 9th magnitude stars south of the galaxy core. Thanks
Hubble Optics for the chance to experience the views that I and the ASV have seen and will see in the
future".
Steve Pattie, June, 2019
Made by Kunho Lee and his friend
Made by Cyrille Thieullet
By Emanuele De Giorgio
By Damien Kilmartin
OD
Thickness(mm)
Price(Plate glass)
Price(Pyrex glass)
12" (f/5)
~24
$850
$1,800
14" (f/5)
~39
$1,200
$2,350
16" (f/5)
~42
$1,650
$3,050
18" (f/4.5)
~47
$2,100
$3,700
20" (f/4.2)
~49
$3,050
$5,500
20" (f/3.7)
~49
$3,500
$6,175
24" (f/4.2)
~58
$5,950
$9,950
24" (f/3.3)
~58
$7,550
$11,550
25"/26" (f/3.3)
~58
$9,680
$13,550
28"-40"
Contact Us
Strehl Ratio >= 0.95
For faster mirrors, there is 15% surcharge for each 1/2 stop of the speed.
The above prices include the standard Al + SiO2 overcoating.
The 92% Semi-enhanced, 96% Enhanced Aluminum and 97% Protected Silver coatings are available with additional
charges:
Diameter
Semi-enhanced Coating
Enhanced Coating
8"
$90
$290
10"
$100
$290
12"
$110
$295
12.5"
$115
$315
14"
$125
$340
16"
$180
$360
18"
$220
$380
20"
$260
$400
24"
$350
$520
28"
$480
$720
32"
$650
$975
36"
$900
$1350
40"
$1200
$1800
All our stocked mirrors are the same high quality mirrors as our standard mirrors (1/10 or better in PV, about
1/50 in RMS, and 0.95 or better in Strehl ratio, with the 96% enhanced aluminum coating free of extra charge).
The shipping will normally take about 10-15 business days for most countries.
Optical Diameter, F/#
THK(mm)
WT(kg)
Reg.(US$)
Sales(US$)
Price with shipping
12"(304.8mm) f/3.0 Plate Glass Sandwich Mirror
~41
~5.8
$1,450
12"(304.8mm) f/3.5 Plate Glass Sandwich Mirror
~41
~5.8
$1,230
12"(304.8mm) f/4.0 Plate Glass Sandwich Mirror
~41
5.8
$1,105
12"(304.8mm) f/4.5 Plate Glass Thin Solid Non Sandwich Mirror
~24
~4
$975
12"(304.8mm) f/5.0 Plate Glass Thin Solid Non Sandwich Mirror
