Prototyping of diamond machined optics for the KMOS and JWST NIRSpec integral field units

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam; David J. Robertson; David A. Ryder; Ray M Sharples

doi:10.1117/12.669355

6 July 2006 Prototyping of diamond machined optics for the KMOS and JWST NIRSpec integral field units

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam, David J. Robertson, David A. Ryder, Ray M Sharples

Proceedings Volume 6273, Optomechanical Technologies for Astronomy; 62733F (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669355
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

Durham University's Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) are currently prototyping key components for the KMOS and JWST NIRSpec Integral Field Units (IFUs). These next-generation IFUs will make extensive use of complex monolithic multi-faceted metal mirror arrays, which are fabricated by means of freeform diamond machining. Using this technique, the inherent accuracy of the diamond machining equipment is exploited to achieve the required relative alignment accuracy of the facets, as well as obtain the necessary optical surface quality for each individual facet, thus facilitating the integration and subsequent testing of these complex systems. The CfAI have pioneered the use of such arrays in the IFU for the Gemini Near-InfraRed Spectrograph (GNIRS IFU), which was installed at Gemini South in April, 2004. The requirements for the next generation of IFUs, however, demand a considerable improvement in the optical performance of these components, e.g. alignment accuracy of the facets, surface form accuracy and roughness. In our paper we briefly discuss the optical designs of KMOS and JWST NIRSpec IFU, and summarise the requirements on the optical components. We then present details of the diamond machining techniques employed to fabricate these highquality components and discuss the latest results from our prototyping activities, which demonstrate our capability of producing optical components that meet the demanding specifications.

Citation Download Citation

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam, David J. Robertson, David A. Ryder, and Ray M Sharples "Prototyping of diamond machined optics for the KMOS and JWST NIRSpec integral field units", Proc. SPIE 6273, Optomechanical Technologies for Astronomy, 62733F (6 July 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669355

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