MAPS: where have the robots got to?

W. D. Taylor; H. Schnetler; W. A. Cochrane; M. Black; S. A. McLay

doi:10.1117/12.927106

13 September 2012 MAPS: where have the robots got to?

W. D. Taylor, H. Schnetler, W. A. Cochrane, M. Black, S. A. McLay

Proceedings Volume 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II; 845057 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.927106
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Most of the sky is black: picking off the interesting bits is the challenge. By placing pick-off mirrors in the focal plane of an instrument, it is possible to select light from only the desired sub-fields. The Micro Autonomous Positioning System (MAPS) is a method for maneuvering pick-off mirrors into position by giving each mirror its own set of wheels. This paper details the metrology algorithms that are being developed to provide real-time feedback of the robots’ positions. This will be achieved through imaging high-resolution targets on the robots and analysing the power floor on which they move. Early tests show that the imaging system is capable of resolving linear motions of lμm and rotation of <1mrad, for an operating area of 25 x 20 cm.

Citation Download Citation

W. D. Taylor, H. Schnetler, W. A. Cochrane, M. Black, and S. A. McLay "MAPS: where have the robots got to?", Proc. SPIE 8450, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation II, 845057 (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.927106

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