Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published July 16, 2010 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

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

Files

77421F.pdf
Files (18.1 MB)
Name Size Download all
md5:4175aec416830d2f86a16b0e8a3dbff8
18.1 MB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
January 14, 2024