Design and performance characterization of the LCOGTN One-Meter Telescope optical tube assembly

Benjamin J. Haldeman; Rachel M. Haynes; Vincent Posner; Joseph R. Tufts; Andrew J. Pickles; Matthew A. Dubberley

doi:10.1117/12.857809

21 July 2010 Design and performance characterization of the LCOGTN One-Meter Telescope optical tube assembly

Benjamin J. Haldeman, Rachel M. Haynes, Vincent Posner, Joseph R. Tufts, Andrew J. Pickles, Matthew A. Dubberley

Proceedings Volume 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation; 77391S (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857809
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Scientific performance specifications, a necessity for ease of commissioning and minimal maintenance, and a desire for automated sensing and remote collimation have led to novel designs and features in LCOGT's one-meter Optical Tube Assembly (OTA). We discuss the design and performance of the quasi-RC optical system with 18 point whiffletree and radial hub mount. Position probes and IR temperature sensors on the primary and secondary mirrors give feedback for active collimation and thermal control. A carbon fiber/epoxy composite truss, with unique spherical node connections, mounts to parallel and offset Invar vanes. A flexure based, closed loop, 3-DOF secondary mirror mechanism is used for tip/tilt collimation. The optics and deflections of the OTA components were iteratively designed for passive collimation with a changing gravity vector. We present the FEA predictions, measured deflections, and measured hysteresis for many of the components. Vibration modes, amplitudes, and damping of the system are presented with an FFT frequency analysis. Thermal CTE effects on loading and focal position are quantified. All of these system effects are then related to the overall scientific performance of the 1.0 m telescope.

Citation Download Citation

Benjamin J. Haldeman, Rachel M. Haynes, Vincent Posner, Joseph R. Tufts, Andrew J. Pickles, and Matthew A. Dubberley "Design and performance characterization of the LCOGTN One-Meter Telescope optical tube assembly", Proc. SPIE 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation, 77391S (21 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857809

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