3D measurement simulation and relative pointing error verification of the telescope mount assembly subsystem for the large synoptic survey telescope

Mutilba, U. ; Kortaberria, G. ; Egaña, F. ; Yagüe-Fabra, J.A. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: An engineering validation of a large optical telescope consists of executing major performing tests at the subsystem level to verify the overall engineering performance of the observatory. Thus, the relative pointing error verification of the telescope mount assembly subsystem is of special interest to guarantee the absolute pointing performance of the large synoptic survey telescope. This paper presents a new verification method for the relative pointing error assessment of the telescope mount assembly, based on laser tracker technology and several fiducial points fixed to the floor. Monte-Carlo-based simulation results show that the presented methodology is fit for purpose, even if floor movement occurs due to temperature variation during the measurement acquisition process. A further research about laser tracker technology integration into the telescope structure may suggest that such laser tracker technology could be permanently installed in the telescope in order to provide an active alignment system that aims to detect and correct possible misalignment between mirrors or to provide the required mirror positioning verification accuracy after maintenance activities. The obtained results show that two on-board laser tracker systems combined with eight measurement targets could result in measurement uncertainties that are better than 1 arcsec, which would provide a reliable built-in metrology tool for large telescopes.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/s18093023

Año: 2018

Publicado en: Sensors (Switzerland) 18, 9 (2018), 3023 [17 pp]
ISSN: 1424-8220

Factor impacto JCR: 3.031 (2018)

Categ. JCR: INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION rank: 15 / 61 = 0.246 (2018) - Q1 - T1
Categ. JCR: CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL rank: 23 / 84 = 0.274 (2018) - Q2 - T1
Categ. JCR: ELECTROCHEMISTRY rank: 12 / 26 = 0.462 (2018) - Q2 - T2

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.592 - Analytical Chemistry (Q2) - Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics (Q2) - Medicine (miscellaneous) (Q2) - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Q2) - Instrumentation (Q2) - Biochemistry (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Ing. Procesos Fabricación (Dpto. Ingeniería Diseño Fabri.)