Dust contamination and in-situ cleaning of ground-based telescope optics: the VLT approach

Paul Giordano

doi:10.1117/12.269065

21 March 1997 Dust contamination and in-situ cleaning of ground-based telescope optics: the VLT approach

Paul Giordano

Proceedings Volume 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269065
Event: Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, 1996, Landskrona/Hven, Sweden

Abstract

It seems to be a fundamental law of nature that optical surfaces become dirty. On-site contamination has been recorded at the ESO La Silla Observatory and at the VLT site over a period of six years. Measured data are presented, and the efforts made at ESO since 1990 to define suitable on-line monitoring and preventive maintenance are detailed. In-situ cleaning techniques, existing equipment and procedures are reviewed. Emphasis is put on the carbon-dioxide snowflake cleaning technique and the integrated cleaning device of the 3.5 m NTT telescope is described. The preliminary cleaning and protection test conducted on the first finished 8 m mirror at the optical manufacturer's site is presented as well, and plans for the in-situ cleaning of the VLT mirrors are explained.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Giordano "Dust contamination and in-situ cleaning of ground-based telescope optics: the VLT approach", Proc. SPIE 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, (21 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269065

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