The axial actuators for the VST primary mirror

D. Fierro; S. D'Orsi; L. Marty; C. Molfese; F. Perrotta; P. Schipani; M. Capaccioli; G. De Paris; R. Tomelleri; P. F. Rossettini; J. Farinato

doi:10.1117/12.856610

22 July 2010 The axial actuators for the VST primary mirror

D. Fierro, S. D'Orsi, L. Marty, C. Molfese, F. Perrotta, P. Schipani, M. Capaccioli, G. De Paris, R. Tomelleri, P. F. Rossettini, J. Farinato

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation; 773933 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856610
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The VST primary mirror is a 2.6-m meniscus made of Astro-Sitall. An active optics system is implemented to correct surface errors due to manufacturing or induced by gravity and temperature changes. The primary mirror is axially supported by 84 supports disposed in four concentric rings. Three of the supports, symmetrically placed and much stiffer than the other ones, define the axial plane of the primary mirror acting as fixed points. The remaining 81 supports are force controlled actuators, used to change the shape of the mirror according to wavefront measurements in closed loop operation, or to a look-up table in open loop. This paper describes the solutions adopted for the axial actuator, as well as the test campaign to assess their performance and degree of reliability.

Citation Download Citation

D. Fierro, S. D'Orsi, L. Marty, C. Molfese, F. Perrotta, P. Schipani, M. Capaccioli, G. De Paris, R. Tomelleri, P. F. Rossettini, and J. Farinato "The axial actuators for the VST primary mirror", Proc. SPIE 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation, 773933 (22 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856610

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