Design and performance of an R-theta fiber positioner for the BigBOSS instrument

Joseph H. Silber; Christoph Schenk; Eric Anderssen; Chris Bebek; Frederic Becker; Robert Besuner; Mario Cepeda; Jerry Edelstein; Henry Heetderks; Patrick Jelinsky; Thomas Johnson; Armin Karcher; Paul Perry; Rodney Post; Michael Sholl; Kenneth Wilson; Zengxaing Zhou

doi:10.1117/12.926457

13 September 2012 Design and performance of an R-θ fiber positioner for the BigBOSS instrument

Joseph H. Silber, Christoph Schenk, Eric Anderssen, Chris Bebek, Frederic Becker, Robert Besuner, Mario Cepeda, Jerry Edelstein, Henry Heetderks, Patrick Jelinsky, Thomas Johnson, Armin Karcher, Paul Perry, Rodney Post, Michael Sholl, Kenneth Wilson, Zengxaing Zhou

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II; 845038 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926457
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The BigBOSS instrument is a proposed multi-object spectrograph for the Mayall 4m telescope at Kitt Peak, which will measure the redshift of 20 million galaxies and map the expansion history of the universe over the past 8 billion years, surveying 10-20 times the volume of existing studies. For each 20 minute observation, 5000 optical fibers are individually positioned by a close-packed array of 5000 robotic positioner mechanisms. Key mechanical constraints on the positioners are: ø12mm hardware envelope, ø14mm overlapping patrol zones, open-loop targeting accuracy ≤ 40μm, and step resolution ≤ 5μm, among other requirements on envelope, power, stability, and speed. This paper describes the design and performance of a newly-developed fiber positioner with R-θ polar kinematics, in which a flexure-based linear R-axis is stacked on a rotational θ-axis. Benefits over the usual eccentric parallel axis θ-φ kinematic approach include faster repositioning, simplified anti-collision schemes, and inherent anti-backlash preload. Performance results are given for complete positioner assemblies as well as sub-component hardware characterization.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph H. Silber, Christoph Schenk, Eric Anderssen, Chris Bebek, Frederic Becker, Robert Besuner, Mario Cepeda, Jerry Edelstein, Henry Heetderks, Patrick Jelinsky, Thomas Johnson, Armin Karcher, Paul Perry, Rodney Post, Michael Sholl, Kenneth Wilson, and Zengxaing Zhou "Design and performance of an R-θ fiber positioner for the BigBOSS instrument", Proc. SPIE 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II, 845038 (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926457

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available