An automated telescope simulator test stand is built and initially tested to characterize robotic fiber positioners for stability under varying gravity vectors, targeting 1 μm position, 5 μm focus, and 0.4° tilt performance.
Prototyping of 6.2-mm-Pitch Fiber Positioner Modules for Stage-V Telescope Instrumentation
5 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.
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Pith papers citing it
abstract
Small-pitch populated focal planes are essential enabling technologies for the next generation of highly multiplexed astronomical instruments. As modern astrophysics relies on massive spectroscopic surveys to study dark energy, dark matter, and galactic assembly, the ability to observe thousands of targets simultaneously has become paramount. To achieve these ambitious scientific goals, optical fibers must be packed into the telescope's focal plane with unprecedented density and accuracy. This work reports on comprehensive prototyping activities for novel 6.2 mm-pitch alpha-beta (theta-phi) fiber positioner modules. Achieving reliable operation at this extremely miniaturized scale presents formidable mechanical and control-system challenges. We provide a detailed comparative analysis of two primary architectural approaches: trillium-based mechanisms and independently actuated robotic designs. A rigorous quantitative assessment was conducted for both prototype models. Critical metrics such as XY positioning repeatability, non-linearity, and gear backlash were evaluated, as these directly dictate the targeting accuracy of the fiber on the sky. Furthermore, we analyzed fiber tilt angles, a crucial factor given its severe implications for Focal Ratio Degradation and the subsequent loss of optical throughput to the spectrographs. Our analysis contextualizes these mechanical constraints with their direct implications for overall instrument performance and survey efficiency. Initial results are highly encouraging, indicating that these miniaturized positioners can successfully overcome spatial limitations while maintaining stringent tolerances. These promising metrics demonstrate that 6.2 mm-pitch modules are highly suitable for the next generation telescopes and the massive multi-object spectroscopic facilities.
fields
astro-ph.IM 5years
2026 5verdicts
UNVERDICTED 5representative citing papers
Design and first performance results of novel robotic optical-relay positioners for the MOSAIC instrument on the ELT.
Thermal qualification tests on 6.2-mm-pitch fiber positioners confirm stable repeatability, backlash, and linearity across -20°C to 30°C with no degradation.
A prototype 15-positioner theta-phi module with 6.2 mm pitch was tested for repeatability, backlash, non-linearity, and tilt, with results compared to Stage-5 telescope design targets.
Performance tests of Trillium-based positioners for Stage-5 telescopes find mostly acceptable metrics with anomalies requiring mitigation in future prototypes.
citing papers explorer
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Characterizing robotic positioners under the influence of changing gravity vectors for future spectroscopic surveys
An automated telescope simulator test stand is built and initially tested to characterize robotic fiber positioners for stability under varying gravity vectors, targeting 1 μm position, 5 μm focus, and 0.4° tilt performance.
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MOSAIC at ELT: Design and First Performance Results of Novel Robotic Optical-Relay Positioners
Design and first performance results of novel robotic optical-relay positioners for the MOSAIC instrument on the ELT.
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Thermal Characterization of a 6-Positioner, 6.2-mm-Pitch Module for Stage-5 Telescopes
Thermal qualification tests on 6.2-mm-pitch fiber positioners confirm stable repeatability, backlash, and linearity across -20°C to 30°C with no degradation.
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Testing of a 15-Positioner Module Based on the MPS Design for Stage-5 Telescopes
A prototype 15-positioner theta-phi module with 6.2 mm pitch was tested for repeatability, backlash, non-linearity, and tilt, with results compared to Stage-5 telescope design targets.
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Performance Testing of a Trillium-based 21-Positioner Module for Stage-5 Telescopes
Performance tests of Trillium-based positioners for Stage-5 telescopes find mostly acceptable metrics with anomalies requiring mitigation in future prototypes.