COMPUTER
CONTROLLED SLIT MECHANISM AND DIFFRACTION GRATING MOUNT
CLIENT
Kingsland
Observatory, a new astronomical observatory in Ireland.
PROBLEM
To
design and manufacture a slit mechanism for a large
spectrometer being fitted to the 36 inch telescope,
providing computer control of slit width and lateral
control of the complete slit. Additionally to provide
a mechanism to control the angle of the diffraction
grating relative to the entrance slit and the detector.
SOLUTION
A
combination of stepper motors and micrometer drive
mechanisms to control the slit width and its lateral
movement along slide bars, controlled by analogue
to digital circuitry and control software. The slit
width can be varied from closed to 3mm wide and the
complete slit assembly can move sideways for 23mm.
For the Grating Mount a similar approach was used.
