Development of the GMT Telescope Metrology System

Bo Xin, Bijan Nemati, Richard Demers, Patricio Schurter, Hugo Chiquito, William Schoenell, Josema Filgueira, Juan Pablo Haddad, Peter Thompson, Keath Beifus, Antonin Bouchez, Breann Sitarski, Joel Nissen, Heejoo Choi, Guillermo Gonzalez, David Nemati, Peter Williams

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Giant Magellan Telescope, with a 25.4 m primary and operating from the ultraviolet to the long wave infrared, is being built as one of the next-generation Extremely Large Telescopes. The size of the GMT and its doubly segmented design create a unique set of challenges for telescope alignment, from initial alignment during the assembly, integration, verification and commissioning phase to operational alignment between and during the telescope exposures. GMT therefore includes a Telescope Metrology System (TMS) that uses networks of laser trackers and absolute and differential distance-measuring interferometers for improved alignment efficiency and phasing of the mirror segments. The TMS has successfully passed its Preliminary Design Review and entered the Final Design phase. In this paper we present the current design and expected performance of the GMT TMS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGround-Based and Airborne Telescopes X
EditorsHeather K. Marshall, Jason Spyromilio, Tomonori Usuda
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510675117
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventGround-Based and Airborne Telescopes X 2024 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: Jun 16 2024Jun 21 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13094
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceGround-Based and Airborne Telescopes X 2024
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period6/16/246/21/24

Keywords

  • Giant Magellan Telescope
  • alignment
  • distance measuring interferometer
  • laser tracker
  • metrology
  • retroreflector
  • segment piston

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of the GMT Telescope Metrology System'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this