2006•Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIERequires access
The concept design of the Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope mount
David T. Finley, Edward O. Reese, Kerstan G. Hermann, Al Gienger, Thomas A. Sebring
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Abstract
The Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope (CCAT) is a 25m far infrared telescope in the conceptual design phase. Its primary mirror is composed of a set of panels supported by a space truss. The primary and secondary mirror arrangement resembles the reflector and quadrapod arrangement seen in many radio telescopes, but with shallower primary mirror geometry. In addition, the optical layout calls for a close spacing between the tertiary mirror and the Nasmyth and bent Cassegrain instruments. The mount design is driven by the spacing of the optical elements, the presence of the Nasmyth and bent Cassegrain ports, and the size of the primary mirror truss. This paper examines the mechanical and control system design solutions provided in response to the challenges posed by the optical requirements. These solutions include tradeoffs in structure, drive, and control system design.