Stray light characteristics of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is a proposed large, ground-based telescope that can survey the entire visible sky every three nights to construct a detailed map of the universe while searching for faint and moving objects (www.lsst.org). Stray light control is important for optimum sensitivity over decades of stellar magnitude. A critical / illuminated object study of the baseline design identified several stray light mechanisms that required unique baffling approaches. Point source transmittance (PST) calculations over multiple azimuth angles quantify the stray light background levels and provide an indication of baffle effectiveness. Baffle design trades and their effect on stray light levels are discussed.