Performance of MOONS cryostat and control system

Chris Waring; Jonathan Strachan; Oscar Gonzalez

doi:10.1117/12.3020306

19 July 2024 Performance of MOONS cryostat and control system

Chris Waring, Jonathan Strachan, Oscar Gonzalez

Proceedings Volume 13096, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X; 130962J (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020306
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Conference Poster

Abstract

MOONS is a Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph currently under testing as a third-generation instrument for the Very Large Telescope (VLT).The Infrared detectors used on MOONS are contained within a large, 4mx2.5mx2.5m cryostat with a 4 Tonne cold mass. Pumpdown of the chamber to 2x10-5mbar is achieved within 24 hours using two Pfeiffer 2000l/s turbo pumps. Initial Cooldown of the instrument uses a gravity fed LN2 Precool System with level sensors to automatically control the LN2 flow. When the cryostat reaches it’s assigned operating temperature an active cooling system takes over to maintain the steady-state temperature. Integration and engineering tests have been carried out to assess the performance of the Cryostat and Control System. This poster presents an overview of the system, results from integration and thermal testing of the system, along with unforeseen issues and how these challenges were resolved.

Citation Download Citation

Chris Waring, Jonathan Strachan, and Oscar Gonzalez "Performance of MOONS cryostat and control system", Proc. SPIE 13096, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X, 130962J (19 July 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020306

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available