The Mirror Alignment and Control System for CT5 of the H.E.S.S. experiment

TL;DR

This paper describes the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of the mirror alignment and control system for the CT5 telescope in the H.E.S.S. gamma-ray observatory, highlighting its stability and optical precision.

Contribution

It introduces a novel computerized mirror alignment system for CT5, demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining optical accuracy over time.

Findings

Achieved a stable point spread function across all operational elevations.

Demonstrated long-term stability of the mirror alignment system.

Validated the hardware performance for high-precision gamma-ray observations.

Abstract

The High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) experiment is one of the largest observatories for gamma-ray astronomy. It consists of four telescopes with a reflecting dish diameter of 12m (CT1 to CT4) and a newer large telescope (CT5) with a reflecting dish diameter of 28m. On CT5 876 mirror facets are mounted, all of them equipped with a computerised system for their alignment. The design of the mirror alignment and control system and the performance of the hardware installed to the telescope are presented. Furthermore the achieved point spread function of the telescope over the full operational elevation range as well as the stability of the alignment over an extended period of time are shown.