The mechanical and thermal design and analysis of the VISTA infrared camera

Ruben L. Edeson; Bryan M. Shaughnessy; Martin S. Whalley; Kevin Burke; John M. Lucas

doi:10.1117/12.551629

16 September 2004 The mechanical and thermal design and analysis of the VISTA infrared camera

Ruben L. Edeson, Bryan M. Shaughnessy, Martin S. Whalley, Kevin Burke, John M. Lucas

Proceedings Volume 5497, Modeling and Systems Engineering for Astronomy; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551629
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

The infrared camera for the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) sets many technical challenges for mechanical and thermal design. The flexion between optical subsystems must be minimised to maintain alignment in various camera orientations and meet performance requirements. Thermally induced stresses, atmospheric pressure and earthquake loads place high demands on structural components, some of which must also thermally isolate the cold (~70 K) detectors and optics. The success of the design hinges on the optimisation of heat flow to minimise thermal loads on the detectors whilst holding external temperatures very close to ambient to reduce misting and convective disturbances in the field of view. This paper describes the mechanical and thermal components of the design and discusses the analyses in detail.

Citation Download Citation

Ruben L. Edeson, Bryan M. Shaughnessy, Martin S. Whalley, Kevin Burke, and John M. Lucas "The mechanical and thermal design and analysis of the VISTA infrared camera", Proc. SPIE 5497, Modeling and Systems Engineering for Astronomy, (16 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551629

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