Photon collider: a four-channel autoguider solution
Abstract
The "Photon Collider" uses a compact array of four off axis autoguider cameras positioned with independent filtering and focus. The photon collider is two way symmetric and robustly mounted with the off axis light crossing the science field which allows the compact single frame construction to have extremely small relative deflections between guide and science CCDs. The photon collider provides four independent guiding signals with a total of 15 square arc minutes of sky coverage. These signals allow for simultaneous altitude, azimuth, field rotation and focus guiding. Guide cameras read out without exposure overhead increasing the tracking cadence. The independent focus allows the photon collider to maintain in focus guide stars when the main science camera is taking defocused exposures as well as track for telescope focus changes. Independent filters allow auto guiding in the science camera wavelength bandpass. The four cameras are controlled with a custom web services interface from a single Linux based industrial PC, and the autoguider mechanism and telemetry is built around a uCLinux based Analog Devices BlackFin embedded microprocessor. Off axis light is corrected with a custom meniscus correcting lens. Guide CCDs are cooled with ethylene glycol with an advanced leak detection system. The photon collider was built for use on Las Cumbres Observatory's 2 meter Faulks telescopes and currently used to guide the alt-az mount.
Additional Information
© 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Joseph Tufts for conceptual design, testing, and support. Ben Haldeman for initial mechanical layout. Dave Jang for Blackfin and Sensor board design. Tim Lister for Figure 15. Eric Hawkins for software and testing support. Steve Foale for software development and diagnostics.Attached Files
Published - 77421F.pdf
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 88954
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20180820-135004425
- Created
-
2018-08-20Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
-
2021-11-16Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Series Name
- Proceedings of SPIE
- Series Volume or Issue Number
- 7742