Design, fabrication, integration and commissioning of an upgraded guiding probe for the VLT unit telescope 4

Christoph Frank; Peter Hammersley; Bernard Buzzoni; Antonio Manescau; Robin Arsenault; Pierre-Yves Madec; Martin Birkmann; Michael Mueller; Fernando Salgado; Stephane Guisard; Matthias Kroedel

doi:10.1117/12.2055868

18 July 2014 Design, fabrication, integration and commissioning of an upgraded guiding probe for the VLT unit telescope 4

Christoph Frank, Peter Hammersley, Bernard Buzzoni, Antonio Manescau, Robin Arsenault, Pierre-Yves Madec, Martin Birkmann, Michael Mueller, Fernando Salgado, Stephane Guisard, Matthias Kroedel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9151, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation; 915111 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055868
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2014, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

As part of the preparation for the arrival of the MUSE instrument to the VLT, it was required to adapt the hosting telescope (UT4) guide probe, to increase its back focal length. This is to allow enough space for the later deployment of the MUSE Adaptive Optics module GALACSI, in-between the telescope adapter rotator and the instrument itself. The UT guide probe is a critical component for the successful operation of the telescope, so its modification to increase the telescope’s back focal length, while maintaining full compatibility with the existing operation model and other hardware, was rather demanding. The design, manufacture, assembly and test for the new supporting arm in the UT guiding probe is presented. It mixes the use of novel materials (HB-CESIC® for the mirrors substrates) and state of the art manufacturing techniques (3D printing mould production and rapid casting for the support structure), which allow producing easily a high performance subsystem. Characterization of the system prior delivery to the telescope, its integration in the UT and results after commissioning is presented. Its successful implementation has validated new manufacturing techniques that may prove very useful for future instruments development.

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Christoph Frank, Peter Hammersley, Bernard Buzzoni, Antonio Manescau, Robin Arsenault, Pierre-Yves Madec, Martin Birkmann, Michael Mueller, Fernando Salgado, Stephane Guisard, and Matthias Kroedel "Design, fabrication, integration and commissioning of an upgraded guiding probe for the VLT unit telescope 4", Proc. SPIE 9151, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation, 915111 (18 July 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055868

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KEYWORDS

Mirrors

Telescopes

Space telescopes

Sensors

Manufacturing

Aluminum

Cameras

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