To the edge of the visible universe

In order to realize the perfect observation quality for the Extremely Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory, it requires high-precision measurement technology. Measurement data acquisition specialist Dewesoft ensures an interference-free view to the edge of the visible universe.

Currently still under construction, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) will be the largest optical and near-infrared telescope in the world when it is completed in 2027. Until then, individual components of the high-performance telescope must be examined for possible disturbances that could affect the quality of the astronomical observations. High-precision vibration measurements and modal analyses of individual components of the ELT are provided by Dewesoft.

The specialist develops and manufactures versatile and easy-to-use data acquisition, test and measurement instruments that are used in the world's most advanced laboratories. For the ESO and the ELT, Dewesoft has implemented specific data acquisition and data evaluation routines for vibration analysis of active components such as pumps, fans and modal analysis of mirror supports. The applied methods were developed by an interdisciplinary group of ESO engineers and technicians from the fields of control engineering, mechanics and structural mechanics. The basis for the metrological analysis of the real components are the calculations of the vibration behavior using the finite element method (FEM). For both the vibration measurements and the modal analysis, the working group first examined the respective task on the basis of a dynamic theory model and derived a measurement strategy from this.

Prior to the actual measurements, structural mechanics then simulated the expected system behavior in each case and, based on this, defined guide values and component tolerances.