Considerations of thermal and mechanical stability for IOTA

Nathaniel P. Carleton

doi:10.1117/12.19288

1 August 1990 Considerations of thermal and mechanical stability for IOTA

Nathaniel P. Carleton

Proceedings Volume 1237, Amplitude and Intensity Spatial Interferometry; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19288
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation for the 21st Century, 1990, Tucson, AZ, United States

Abstract

This paper considers in detail the questions of mechanical stability and thermal stability that were encountered in the course of the design of the Infrared Optical Telescope Array (IOTA) installed at the Smithsonian's Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins. With respect to the mechanical stability, measurements of ground vibration showed that the ground is essentially benight at the IOTA site. To insure thermal stability, the telescope support points and the beam-relay path will be slightly below ground level and well-insulated. The telescopes will reside in insulated shelter-transporter structures which will be cooled during the day. The beam relay path will be in vacuum, so that seeing effects and longitudinal dispersion will be eliminated.

Citation Download Citation

Nathaniel P. Carleton "Considerations of thermal and mechanical stability for IOTA", Proc. SPIE 1237, Amplitude and Intensity Spatial Interferometry, (1 August 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19288

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