Large bondspot RTV adhesion for NFIRAOS OAPs

S. MacDonald; Kath Silversides; Jenny Atwood; Alain Cournoyer; Louis-Philippe Bibeau

doi:10.1117/12.3020823

26 August 2024 Large bondspot RTV adhesion for NFIRAOS OAPs

S. MacDonald, Kath Silversides, Jenny Atwood, Alain Cournoyer, Louis-Philippe Bibeau

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13100, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI; 1310054 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020823
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Conference Poster

Abstract

The Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS) within the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will unlock new potential for ground-based astronomy. This subsystem is a series of optics that correct for atmospheric turbulence seen in the Infrared wavelength. One of the critical challenges in the NFIRAOS system is the ability to operate at -30 degrees Celsius. The use of RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone as an adhesive allows a more flexible bond between the optic and its mount. This material is capable of withstanding temperature changes without losing bond strength. Additionally, the large Off Axis Parabola (OAP) mirrors provide a unique technical challenge in their mounting configurations. The optics have with a mass of 90 kilograms and must be mounted able to withstand a 50-degree temperature differential from their ambient temperature bonding. This paper builds of initial conceptual and prototyping work done by ABB and provides the next steps scaling towards a final design of large RTV bondspot optical mounting. Through a combination of simulations, iterative prototyping, room temperature and operational temperature stress testing, a final design proposal is presented backed by statistical and in-house life cycle testing methods. The findings in this work have applications as the industry moves towards mounting larger optics in increasingly challenging environments.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

S. MacDonald, Kath Silversides, Jenny Atwood, Alain Cournoyer, and Louis-Philippe Bibeau "Large bondspot RTV adhesion for NFIRAOS OAPs", Proc. SPIE 13100, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI, 1310054 (26 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020823

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