Analytical design method of three-mirror anastigmatic telescope with mirror spacings as free design parameters

We present an analytical design method for the three-mirror anastigmatic (TMA) telescope with mirror spacings as the free design parameter. After the optical designer determines, the system focal length and the mirror spacings according to the design requirements, the design solutions of all TMA telescopes that meet the conditions can be obtained directly according to the formulas for the mirror radius and conic constants derived. The method here can predetermine the mirror position and system envelope size before design, and can quickly give all design solutions. We give a design example using the method and compare and discuss all design solutions of TMA. (C) 2020 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)