ATM TERMINOLOGY - T

 

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TCT:

Tilted Component Telescope.

 

TDE:

Turned Down Edge, one of the most dreaded deformations in a mirror. It means that the outer edge of the mirror is lower than required for the paraboloid. Since the edge zone contributes the most of the light, a TDE affects the image quality quite badly.

 

TM:

Telescope Making, a (no longer existing) magazine about ATM-ing. Often followed by an issue number.

 

TN:

Telescope Nut, a subspecies of the homo sapiens. When two or more meet, they start speaking a language unintelligable to the rest of the human race. Often mistaken for radio amateurs due to the heavy use of the word "wavelength". (:-)

 

TOT:

Tool On Top, used during grinding / polishing / figuring when the tool is rubbed over the mirror.

 

Tool:

Used for grinding a mirror. Mirror and tool are rubbed over each other with an abrasive in between. During rough grinding (the first grinding stage) the mirror is rubbed over the tool. I.e. the tool is below.

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