Hoverboards: focal plane positioner for large-sized payloads

Michael Goodwin; Prerak Chapagain; David Brown; Jon Lawrence; Simon Ellis

doi:10.1117/12.2312360

10 July 2018 Hoverboards: focal plane positioner for large-sized payloads

Michael Goodwin, Prerak Chapagain, David Brown, Jon Lawrence, Simon Ellis

Proceedings Volume 10706, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation III; 107062B (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312360
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, Austin, Texas, United States

Abstract

The ability to simultaneously position many ‘large’ payloads over the focal surface overcomes some of the potential barriers faced by future Extremely Large Telescopes. These devices, called ‘Hoverboards’ are currently capable of positioning payloads up to 3 kg over large focal surfaces (more than 3m). This is achieved by the combination of air pressure and vacuum forces, with either two or more Starbugs or stepper motors for precise positioning. Hoverboards could conceptually position compact deformable mirrors over the focal surface for implementing multi-object adaptive optics. Hoverboards could also position large fiber-based integral field units for multi-object spectroscopic surveys. We report on the development of a low-cost Hoverboard prototype suitable for flat and curved focal-plane surfaces for either the Giant Magellan Telescope or European Extremely Large Telescope.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Goodwin, Prerak Chapagain, David Brown, Jon Lawrence, and Simon Ellis "Hoverboards: focal plane positioner for large-sized payloads", Proc. SPIE 10706, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation III, 107062B (10 July 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312360

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