High-precision cryogenic wheel mechanisms for the JWST NIRSpec instrument
Publication date: 24 July 2008
Authors: Weidlich, K. et al.
Journal: Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume: 7018
Year: 2008
Copyright: SPIE
Advanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation. Edited by Atad-Ettedgui, Eli; Lemke, Dietrich. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 7018, pp. 701821-701821-12 (2008)
The Grating and Filter Wheel Mechanisms of the JWST NIRSpec instrument allow for reconfiguration of the spectrograph in space in a number of NIR sub-bands and spectral resolutions. Challenging requirements need to be met simultaneously including high launch loads, the large temperature shift to cryo-space, high position repeatability and minimum deformation of the mounted optics. The design concept of the NIRSpec wheel mechanisms is based on the ISOPHOT Filter Wheels but with significant enhancements to support much larger optics. A well-balanced set of design parameters was to be found and a considerable effort was spent to adjust the hardware within narrow tolerances.
Link to publication