ENTEG Guest lecture by Ramon Navarro, NOVA-ASTRON: The James Webb Space Telescope cryogenic mechanisms in astronomical instrumentation

The Multi-Scale Mechanics (MSM) group of Dr. Francesco Maresca presents a guest lecture "The James Webb Space Telescope cryogenic mechanisms in astronomical instrumentation", by Ramon Navarro, NOVA-ASTRON (Dwingeloo)

Abstract
The scientific instruments of the James Webb Space Telescope are illuminated, with a focus on MIRI, the Mid InfraRed Instrument, and especially on the Dutch contribution: the Spectrometer Main Optics module. The MIRI concept, optical design, mechanical design, manufacturing, testing and verification processes are all covered. Key question: How can you validate the performance in space on Earth: in vacuum, at cryogenic temperatures and at 0g? There are also many aspects of the Webb Space Telescope that deserve attention: the manufacturing program, integration, verification tests on Earth, launch, orbit in space, deployment of the sun shield and telescope, alignment of mirrors, cooling of the scientific instruments, verification of performance and transfer to scientists. Several scientific images are presented.
Infrared instrumentation, used in astronomy, can only function well at cryogenic temperatures. The complexity of these Instruments ever increases: from completely static instruments, to multiple observing modes, to in situ calibrations and dynamic control of continuous motion cryogenic mechanisms. Depending on requirements we cannot avoid stick-slip effects and wear in mechanisms. It is difficult to achieve both accuracy and life time requirements in a harsh environment where choice of materials is limited and lubrication is difficult.

Bio
Ramon Navarro studied applied physics in Eindhoven had a career at Philips Research and ASML. Since 2005, he has been responsible for the optical infrared equipment that astronomers at Dutch universities use for their research. This equipment is always developed in international cooperation for intergovernmental organizations, such as ESA and ESO. The Netherlands is specialized in spectroscopy, vacuum cryogenic infrared equipment and high contrast imaging.