Mechanisms enabling observation of Jupiter like planets in deep space

J. R. Nijenhuis; P. T. M. Giesen

doi:10.1117/12.618263

8 September 2005 Mechanisms enabling observation of Jupiter like planets in deep space

J. R. Nijenhuis, P. T. M. Giesen

Proceedings Volume 5877, Optomechanics 2005; 587706 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618263
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Inside the Star Separator system for the Unit Telescopes for the ESO-VLTi two mechanisms are implemented to compensate for the earth rotation that complicates the simultaneous and continuous observations of two stars. The function of the mechanisms is comparable to a de-rotator without the drawback of having to add three folding mirrors. One of the mechanisms is a scan mechanism with two independent orthogonal rotations. It makes use of flexures to eliminate play and to guarantee long term maintenance free operation. It also uses piezo stages for extreme accurate pointing (< 1μrad) for rotations of around 0.1 rad without hysteresis. The second mechanism realizes the optical star splitting being the primary function of the Star Separator.

Citation Download Citation

J. R. Nijenhuis and P. T. M. Giesen "Mechanisms enabling observation of Jupiter like planets in deep space", Proc. SPIE 5877, Optomechanics 2005, 587706 (8 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618263

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