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IRDK24 (Infrared Optimized)

SKU# 240120Q

Price: $69,000.00

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*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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

Warranty

Warranty

For warranty information please check our Standard Warranty page.

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