Manufacturing and heat-treatment procedure for the ALTAIR optical bench

Abstract

The Gemini North Adaptive Optics Instrument is currently under construction at the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, National Research Council Canada. In the Altair design, many optical components must be positioned relative to one another within micron-level tolerances. These relative positions are required to be stable over the life of the instrument, all optical components will be mounted to an optical bench. The choice of materials and manufacturing processes are key to the long-term dimensional stability of the optical bench and represent a significant engineering challenge. The candidate materials and manufacturing processes are key to the long-term dimensional stability of the optical bench and represent a significant engineering challenge. The candidate materials and manufacturing options will be discussed. In addition, the final design, and the manufacturing and heat-treatment processes for the Altair optical bench will be presented.