Design of the MROI delay line optical path compensator

M. Fisher; R. C. Boysen; D. F. Buscher; C. A. Haniff; E. B. Seneta; X. Sun; D. M. A. Wilson; J. S. Young

doi:10.1117/12.857168

21 July 2010 Design of the MROI delay line optical path compensator

M. Fisher, R. C. Boysen, D. F. Buscher, C. A. Haniff, E. B. Seneta, X. Sun, D. M. A. Wilson, J. S. Young

Proceedings Volume 7734, Optical and Infrared Interferometry II; 773449 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857168
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The delay lines for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer in New Mexico are required to provide up to 380m optical path delay with an OPD jitter of better than 15nm, in vacuum, using a single adjustable stroke. In order to meet these demanding requirements in a cost-effective manner a unique combination of techniques has been used in the design and construction of the delay line trolley which operates continuously within 190m of evacuated pipe. These features include contactless delivery of power and control signals, active control of the cat's eye optics and the use of composite materials to achieve good thermal stability. A full-size prototype trolley has been built and fully tested and the first production trolley is under construction. We describe the system's key design features and review the construction and alignment of the delay line trolley. Results obtained with the trolley operating in an evacuated 20m-long test rig under the full range of conditions required for successful astronomical observations are presented. An OPD jitter of typically 10nm is achieved over the total tracking velocity range from 0 to 15mm/s.

Citation Download Citation

M. Fisher, R. C. Boysen, D. F. Buscher, C. A. Haniff, E. B. Seneta, X. Sun, D. M. A. Wilson, and J. S. Young "Design of the MROI delay line optical path compensator", Proc. SPIE 7734, Optical and Infrared Interferometry II, 773449 (21 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857168

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