The DESI fiber positioner system

Michael Schubnell; Jon Ameel; Robert W. Besuner; Irena Gershkovich; Philipp Hoerler; Jean-Paul Kneib; Henry D. Heetderks; Joseph H. Silber; Gregory Tarlé; Curtis Weaverdyck

doi:10.1117/12.2233370

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9 August 2016 The DESI fiber positioner system

Michael Schubnell, Jon Ameel, Robert W. Besuner, Irena Gershkovich, Philipp Hoerler, Jean-Paul Kneib, Henry D. Heetderks, Joseph H. Silber, Gregory Tarlé, Curtis Weaverdyck

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Proceedings Volume 9908, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy VI; 990892 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233370
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is under construction to measure the expansion history of the Universe using the baryon acoustic oscillation technique. A new prime focus corrector for the KPNO Mayall telescope will deliver light to 5,000 fiber optic positioners feeding ten broad-band spectrographs. The positioners have eccentric axis kinematics. Actuation is provided by two 4mm diameter DC brushless gear-motors. An attached electronics board accepts a DC voltage for power and CAN messages for communications and drives the two motors. The positioner accepts the ferrulized and polished fiber and provides a mechanically safe path through its internal mechanism. Positioning is rapid and accurate with typical RMS errors of less than 5 μm.

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Michael Schubnell, Jon Ameel, Robert W. Besuner, Irena Gershkovich, Philipp Hoerler, Jean-Paul Kneib, Henry D. Heetderks, Joseph H. Silber, Gregory Tarlé, and Curtis Weaverdyck "The DESI fiber positioner system", Proc. SPIE 9908, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy VI, 990892 (9 August 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233370

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