Concepts for multi-IFU robotic positioning systems

Stan Miziarski; Jurek Brzeski; Joss Bland Hawthorn; James Gilbert; Michael Goodwin; Jeroen Heijmans; Anthony Horton; Jon Lawrence; Will Saunders; Greg A. Smith; Nicholas Staszak

doi:10.1117/12.925100

13 September 2012 Concepts for multi-IFU robotic positioning systems

Stan Miziarski, Jurek Brzeski, Joss Bland Hawthorn, James Gilbert, Michael Goodwin, Jeroen Heijmans, Anthony Horton, Jon Lawrence, Will Saunders, Greg A. Smith, Nicholas Staszak

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II; 845018 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925100
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Following the successful commissioning of SAMI (Sydney-AAO Multi-object IFU) the AAO has undertaken concept studies leading to a design of a new instrument for the AAT (Hector). It will use an automated robotic system for the deployment of fibre hexabundles to the focal plane. We have analysed several concepts, which could be applied in the design of new instruments or as a retrofit to existing positioning systems. We look at derivatives of Starbugs that could handle a large fibre bundle as well as modifications to pick and place robots like 2dF or OzPoz. One concept uses large magnetic buttons that adhere to a steel field plate with substantial force. To move them we replace the gripper with a pneumatic device, which engages with the button and injects it with compressed air, thus forming a magnet preloaded air bearing allowing virtually friction-less repositioning of the button by a gantry or an R-Theta robot. New fibre protection, guiding and retraction systems are also described. These developments could open a practical avenue for the upgrade to a number of instruments.

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Stan Miziarski, Jurek Brzeski, Joss Bland Hawthorn, James Gilbert, Michael Goodwin, Jeroen Heijmans, Anthony Horton, Jon Lawrence, Will Saunders, Greg A. Smith, and Nicholas Staszak "Concepts for multi-IFU robotic positioning systems", Proc. SPIE 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II, 845018 (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925100

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