Development of an alignment platform for ESO's mid-infrared E-ELT imager and spectrograph (METIS)

We present a solution to the challenges of interfacing the ELT’s METIS to the telescope using a steerable hexapod structure. To guide the architectural choices, lumped physical models were derived from inverse kinematics in order to address the load distribution in each arm. Complete FE Analysis is carried on the optimal solutions of these models. The hexapod arms, which are high precision heavy duty linear actuators enduring forces in the excess of 30 tons, are designed using standard components whenever possible. An overall fully functional support structure design, satisfying the ESO/ELT and METIS requirements, is described.

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