High-tech mirror holds promise as key advance

Institute develops new method for making large telescope parts

The Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Science, has developed the world's largest silicon carbide mirrora key component of telescopesand will apply it to some major projects, including space observation.

The project passed its final evaluation by the academy and other experts on Tuesday and the technology will soon be applied to some State-level electrooptical systems, the institute said.