IRDK24 (Infrared Optimized)
Price: $69,000.00
*Price is based on PlaneWave’s Pricing Policy
The IRDK24 is a 24-inch infrared-optimized optical tube designed for research applications where on-axis performance is crucial.
- Dall-Kirkham optical design
- Focal length of 3,962 mm (f/6.5)
- Mirror coatings that are optimized to transmit in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
- Fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Ready for Delta-T dew prevention
Description
This is a Dall-Kirkham optical design with coatings that are optimized to transmit in infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective components to the design. For IR application, reflective coatings are a protected gold that gives better than 98% reflectivity from .65 micron (650nm) to 5 micron (5000nm). This design is ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can be provided as well, so please reach out to our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.
- IRDK24 is a 24-inch infrared-optimized optical tube with fused silica mirrors
- Focal length of 3,962 mm (f/6.5)
- Dall-Kirkham optical design with coatings that are optimized to transmit in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
- Ready for Delta-T dew prevention
IRDK 24 Features
Fused Silica Optics
Fused silica (quartz) has a coefficient of thermal expansion six times lower than Borosilicate (Pyrex) glass, which means that as it cools down, fused silica preserves its shape to a high degree of accuracy. This translates into consistent optical performance and unchanging focus as temperature changes.
Delta-T Ready
For added dew prevention, the IRDK24 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, which is ready to be controlled with the Delta-T via PlaneWave Interface 3 software.
Carbon Fiber Truss Design
Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift as temperature changes during an imaging session. Carbon fiber also reaches ambient temperatures quickly and is extremely lightweight and rigid to help ensure excellent imaging data is produced.
3D Printed Baffles
PlaneWave uses digital 3D printing technology to produce lightweight baffle tubes. 3D printers add successive layers of material to construct a baffle system with precision positioned internal stray light baffles to minimize vignetting and maximize image contrast. Quality baffling makes an incredible difference in overall image quality, so we ensured an optimal design was created for our telescopes.
Dovetail expansion joint
Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail to expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss. This results in images that are not distorted due to expansion, or contraction of the optical tube materials.
Cooling Fans
Three fans on the backplate of the optical tube pull air through the telescope and by the primary mirror. Three fans on the side of the optical tube also blow air across the primary to ensure a boundary layer of air does not distort images. These fans help the telescope reach thermal equilibrium quickly, further reducing any distortion in images due to temperature variations. The fans are controlled by a switch on the optical tube, or can be controlled by via PWI3 software if a PlaneWave Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased.
Specifications
Specifications
Optical System
Aperture | 24 inch (610 mm) |
Focal Length | 3974 mm (156.46 inch) |
Focal ratio | F/6.5 |
Central Obstruction | 47% of the primary mirror diameter |
Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 14.349 inch (364.46 mm) |
Weight | 240 lbs (108.9 kg) |
OTA Length | 56 inch (1,422 mm) |
Upper Cage | Carbon fiber truss |
Lower Cage | Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud |
OTA Width | 31 inch (787 mm) |
OTA Height | 35 inch (889 mm) |
Optimal Field of View | 70 mm image circle |
Secondary Mirror
Diameter | 11 inch (280 mm) |
Material | Fused silica (quartz) |
Shape | Spherical |
Coating | Gold Protected |
Primary Mirror
Optical Diameter | 24 inch (610 mm) |
Outer Diameter | 24.5 inch (622 mm) |
Shape | Prolate Ellipsoid |
Material | Fused silica (quartz) |
Coating | Gold Protected |
Shipping
Crated Shipping Weight | 500 lbs (226.8 kg) |
Crate Width | 40 inch (1,016 mm) |
Crate Height | 48 inch (1,219 mm) |
Crate Length | 78 inch (1,981 mm) |
Included Items
Included Items
CDK24 Focus Spacer (240343-1) | This 5.539″ long spacer is installed between the backplate and the focuser to take up some of the CDK24’s extra backfocus and reduce the torque placed on the focuser mechanism. This spacer is sized such that the backfocus distance behind the focuser is 8.8″. |
Primary Mirror Cover | To protect the primary mirror |
PlaneWave Thumb Drive | Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
12VDC Power Supply | Provides power for the fans (Not included for European orders) |
Wrench Set (5812A35) | Standard hex wrenches (European orders only) |
Recommended Accessories
Recommended Accessories
OTA Accessories
- Reducer .66x CDK24 (200166)
- Delta T Heater Part (240901)
- Hendrick Focuser (200340)
- IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser (600180)
- EFA kit Electronic Focuser (EFA) (240901)
- Light Shroud CDK24 (240970)
- Dovetail Clamp CDK24 (200919)
Visual Accessories
- Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes (125360)
- Finderscope and Mounting Bracket (6009003)
- Visual Adapter – CDK24 (200399)
- 2 Inch Mirror Diagonal (DDP-8804)
Mount Accessories
Downloads
Downloads
Articles
Drawings & Diagrams
- CDK24 Optical Tube Dimensions
- CDK24 Vignetting and Spot Size Plots
- CDK24 Piggyback Dovetail Plate Diagram
Camera Adapters Diagrams
- CDK24 IRF90 to Apogee Adapters
- CDK24 IRF90 to SBIG STX Adapters
- CDK24 to Apogee Adapters
- CDK24 to FLI Adapters
- CDK24 to SBIG Adapters
Software
Instructions
Helpful Tools
Warranty
Warranty
For warranty information please check our Standard Warranty page.