Presentation + Paper
29 August 2017 ThermoYield actuators: nano-adjustable set-and-forget optics mounts
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
The X-ray optics community has been developing technology for high angular resolution, large collecting area X-ray telescopes such as the Lynx X-ray telescope concept. To meet the high collecting area requirements of such telescope concepts, research is being conducted on thin, segmented optics. The mounts that fixture and align segmented optics must be the correct length to sub-micron accuracy to satisfy the angular resolution goals of such a concept. Set-andforget adjustable length optical mounting posts have been developed to meet this need. The actuator consists of a cylinder made of metal. Halfway up the height of the metal cylinder, a reduced diameter cylindrical neck is cut. To change the length of this actuator, an axial compressive or tensile force is applied to the actuator. A high-current electrical pulse is sent through the actuator, and this electrical current resistively heats the neck of the actuator. This heating temporarily reduces the yield strength of the neck, so that the applied force plastically deforms the neck. Once the current stops and the neck cools, the neck will regain yield strength, and the plastic deformation will stop. All of the plastic deformation that occurred during heating is now permanent. Both compression and expansion of these actuators has been demonstrated in steps ranging from 6 nanometers to several microns. This paper will explain the concept of ThermoYield actuation, explore X-ray telescope applications, describe an experimental setup, show and discuss data, and propose future ideas.
Conference Presentation
© (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Michael D. DeTienne, Alexander R. Bruccoleri, Brandon Chalifoux, Ralf K. Heilmann, Ross E. Tedesco, and Mark L. Schattenburg "ThermoYield actuators: nano-adjustable set-and-forget optics mounts", Proc. SPIE 10399, Optics for EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Astronomy VIII, 103991I (29 August 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2273049
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KEYWORDS
Mirrors

X-ray telescopes

Epoxies

Laser welding

Metals

X-rays

Liquids

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