Low-friction magnetically levitating support for telescope primary mirrors

Rick Dale Blakley

doi:10.1117/12.393914

2 August 2000 Low-friction magnetically levitating support for telescope primary mirrors

Rick Dale Blakley

Proceedings Volume 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393914
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

A unit device for supporting a telescope primary mirror in its cell is described. It replaces the traditional roller- ball or oil-bellows support unit. The device utilizes the levitating field from opposing magnets to support the primary's weight above the cell's surface. This frees the bearings of the device so that the primary may expand or contract smoothly, unimpaired with `sticky', loaded bearings. The mechanics of the device restrain the opposing magnets from drifting inappropriately and work to isolate the primary from undesirable bending moments. Supplying the near-cell magnet, which may advance toward the near-primary magnet, with the standard counterweight and fulcrum commonly seen behind the cell assures the primary/device, weight/force balance remains for any orientation. Design, forces, and ongoing research for levitated support is discussed. A prototype is under construction.

Citation Download Citation

Rick Dale Blakley "Low-friction magnetically levitating support for telescope primary mirrors", Proc. SPIE 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning, (2 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393914

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