Spectrograph optics will enable the Hexapod telescope to capture all polarisation components of stellar light across a complete optical spectrum in a single exposure
Optical Surfaces has been selected to supply the key optics for a fibre fed spectrograph that will expand the capabilities of the Hexapod telescope that is designed and built by the Astronomical Institute at the University of Bochum, Germany.
The Hexapod telescope is a super-lightweight, 1.5-metre telescope that ships in two standard 40-foot containers, and can be assembled in just one day.
The spectrograph will enable the Hexapod telescope to capture all polarisation components of stellar light across a complete optical spectrum (370 to 1000nm) in a single exposure with a resolving power of about 70,000.
Having previously supplied similar optics for the successful Feros, Espadons and Narval projects, Optical Surfaces was selected for its proven record in manufacturing, mounting and testing demanding high precision spectrograph optics.
The Hexapod telescope instrument will require Optical Surfaces to produce two matching off-axis parabolic mirrors from a single Zerodur parent of 660mm diameter and 1500mm focal length.
The two off-axis collimating mirrors will be finished to achieve a uniform lambda/10RMS over the whole working area to ensure the required high throughput and ultra-low dispersion.
Optical Surfaces's ISO 9001-2000 approved manufacturing facility provides the flexible resources to supply from single specialist requirements to OEM quantity high precision optics and optical systems.
All optics and optical systems up to 600mm diameter are provided with a complete quality test assurance report.
