LOMO PLC finished the process of producing of a mirror 1,65 m in diameter for the first domestic specialized infra-red telescope AZT-33IK.

            AZT-33IK was creating in the first optical firm in accordance with order of RUN (stands for the Russian Academy of Sciences). In July last year its manufacturing was finished and at present time mounting of the device is being made in the observatory. The main mirror 1650 mm in diameter will become the last component of new instrument, which will be delivered to the place of setting.

            The main mirror of new telescope is a high-precision optical detail corresponding to all modern demands. In accordance with technical task it must be light-gathering power and have a complicated geometry. Of course, opticians were forced to apply multitude of innovative solutions during its producing.

            For example, special frame was made, which doesn't admit mirror deformation - the detail is so thin (150 mm of the edge), that it could deflect under its own weight, which amounts to 600 kg. Checking of the main mirror passed together with the second one - this method, used at LOMO, allows defining qualitative parameters of future telescope, that's why it has a row of important advantages.

            Today the mirror is already packed and it is ready for delivering. In accordance with existing information AZT-33IK must begin operating in the middle of summer.

            Nowadays LOMO is a single enterprise in Russia, which is capable of designing and producing of professional telescopes.