Optical mount has space age accuracy
An
Aerotech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Apr 11, 2003
Tracking satellite positions or testing precision optics requires high-accuracy motion systems.
Tracking satellite positions or testing precision optics requires high-accuracy motion systems.
Aerotech's latest range of optical mounts provide 360-degree rotation on two axes to provide precise positioning with repeatability up to +/-1arc-sec for automatic testing machines and applications such as military and civil satellite basestations.
Called the AOM360D Series, the gimbal mounts provide ultra precise elevation over azimuth positioning required for automatic testing machines for components such as sensors and optical products.
Other applications include calibration, laser beam steering, target acquisition and tracking, and camera and telescope scanning and pointing.
Smooth continuous motion is provided using Aerotech's own direct drive brushless torque motors.
These use rare earth magnets and high accuracy transducers coupled direct to precision shafts.
The absence of gear trains eliminates position error contributions through mechanical hysteresis and backlash.
Furthermore, the slotless design of the motor eliminates cogging for outstanding velocity stability and zero torque ripple.
Position feedback options are available from 5000 to 36000 lines per revolution.
When coupled using Aerotech's MXH resolution multiplier, a staggering 0.036arc-sec resolution can be attained.
To complement the accuracy of the drive and feedback components, the mechanical construction must be both stiff and of equal precision.
For this reason, Aerotech uses large diameter matched set bearings to eliminate wobble, moment stiffness and rotating friction.
A thick walled precision ground shaft further minimises wobble.
The large diameter bearing also enables large loads up to 500mm diameter to be supported.
Thermal stability of the AOM360D series is better than 0.4arc-sec/C and there are vacuum compatible versions available.
Four standard models cater for load diameters from 203 up to 508mm and payloads and from 7 up to 50kg.
There are resolution options of 5000, 18000 and 36000 lines, all of which can be fitted with the external Aerotech MXH multiplier, and there is one option of 18000 lines, which has an integral x5 multiplier as standard.
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Contact Aerotech
Tel +44 118 940 9400
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