A new look at the origin of the universe

Researchers at the University of Lisbon use e-chains for a new type of multi-object spectrograph

Winner of the golden vector awards 2024: How did galaxies form? Where do exoplanets with life-friendly conditions exist? A multi-object and near-infrared spectrograph from MOONS Consortium, which also includes the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences, is set to provide answers. The engineers rely on energy chains from the triflex® series from igus® for the precise and interference-free movement of the sensitive optical fibres. For the jury of the vector award 2024, the most spectacular e-chain® application.

Profile

What was needed: energy chain made of high-performance plastic from the triflex series ®
Requirements: The optical fibres of the spectrograph must only be exposed to low loads during movement. In addition, the guidance must function reliably under high ozone exposure.
Industry: Aviation technology
Success for the customer: The guidance system works so precisely and gently that it does not interfere with scientific observations. The solution is fail-safe even when ozone levels are permanently high.

Problem

The MOONS Consortium's multi-object and near-infrared spectrograph has a field of view the size of the moon and can simultaneously observe over 1,000 objects in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range. It will be used at the European Southern Observatory, one of the world's most advanced telescope arrays in the mountains of the Atacama Desert in Chile. The spectrograph is the result of a long development process with many design challenges. One of these was to safely guide the sensitive optical fibres that transport the light from a rotating front end to the spectrograph. Even the smallest load can lead to a distortion of the measurement results. In addition, the cable routing must function reliably at an altitude of 2,670 metres under high ozone levels in order to prevent expensive system failures.

Solution

To safely guide the optical fibres from the rotating front end to the spectrograph, the researchers at the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences, Faculty of Science at the University of Lisbon rely on energy chains made of high-performance plastic from the triflex® series from igus®. The e-chain® ensures that the fibres are not exposed to any load during movement that could endanger scientific observations. According to the engineers, the energy chains reliably fulfil this important task even at an altitude of 2,670 metres and with high ozone levels and extremely low humidity.

Overview of triflex

igus® supported us in the initial search for a 3D solution and in obtaining information about the material properties to validate their application. This support was very useful to help with the final implementation of the solution.