Transmission and opto-mechanical performance of the liquid lens coupling in the Robert Stobie Spectrograph on SALT

Ockert J. Strydom, Éric Depagne, Darragh O'Donoghue, Martin Wilkinson, Wouter Lochner, Jonathan Love, Lisa Crause, Janus Brink, Kenneth H. Nordsieck, J. Alan Schier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Liquid lens coupling provides excellent transmission efficiency when compared to multilayer coatings especially for applications where broadband transmission is required. However, long term reliability of liquid coupling is difficult to achieve. This is typically due to chemical compatibility issues affecting both the optical transmission and the integrity of the opto-mechanical support. As part of a recent service of the Robert Stobie Spectrograph on SALT we had the opportunity to study these problems further and in this paper we provide analysis of problems identified and some solutions to prevent them. We also present general guidelines which could aid future opto-mechanical designs for liquid coupling of lenses.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation II
EditorsRamon Navarro, James H. Burge
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510602038
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation II - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 26 Jun 20161 Jul 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9912
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAdvances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation II
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period26/06/161/07/16

Keywords

  • Cargille 3421
  • Cargille 5610
  • Liquid Lens Coupling
  • RSS
  • SALT
  • Sylgard 184

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