Xuewu Fan

Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Xuewu Fan is a leading researcher in advanced space optics and precision manufacturing, with a focus on enabling next-generation astronomical observation. His work centers on two critical challenges: the on-orbit assembly of large space telescopes and the robotic fabrication of heavy-calibre aspheric optics. In his highly cited 2019 review, Fan systematically analyzed the technical pathways for constructing telescopes with apertures exceeding current launch vehicle fairing limits—a key bottleneck for future space observatories—demonstrating how modular assembly could overcome these constraints. His experimental work on industrial robot polishing, also from 2019, established a novel framework using an ABB IRB6640 platform to process off-axis aspheric surfaces, integrating coordinate transformations and quaternion algorithms to achieve precise material removal with both M-like and Gaussian-like functions. With over 15 combined citations, Fan’s contributions bridge the gap between robotic automation and ultra-precision optics, directly impacting the feasibility of future large-aperture space telescopes. His research is foundational for students and engineers working at the intersection of robotics, optical engineering, and space systems, offering practical solutions for manufacturing the complex mirrors that will power the next generation of astronomical discovery.