NASA IRTF tip-tilt secondary system

Steven S. Smith; Peter M. Onaka

doi:10.1117/12.278828

18 September 1997 NASA IRTF tip-tilt secondary system

Steven S. Smith, Peter M. Onaka

Proceedings Volume 3112, Telescope Control Systems II; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278828
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A discussion of the tip tilt secondary control system developed for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility is presented. Topics include: the use of existing IR drive electronics to drive an optical CCD at readout speeds approaching 300 Hz; outside suppliers for the secondary mirror and mechanical controls; the in house detector package creation; software system integration; and on-sky testing. The system strengths and weaknesses are discussed as they might apply to other projects. Tests of the system showed very good fast-guiding capability; revealed several telescope alignment problems; and allowed the IR instrument, NSFCAM, to produce science images with increased resolution. Work continues on improvement of ease of use, integration with the existing TCS control system, adaptation for use with other instruments and correction of outstanding problems with the secondary mirror support and surface quality.

Citation Download Citation

Steven S. Smith and Peter M. Onaka "NASA IRTF tip-tilt secondary system", Proc. SPIE 3112, Telescope Control Systems II, (18 September 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278828

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