Actuator Development at IAAT for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Medium Size Telescopes

TL;DR

This paper presents the latest actuator design for the CTA Medium Size Telescopes, emphasizing durability, precision, and stability, based on extensive testing and previous prototypes to enhance gamma-ray telescope performance.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new actuator design for CTA MSTs that improves durability and precision, building on prior prototypes and testing experiences.

Findings

Multiple prototypes developed and tested extensively.

Design revisions achieved higher mechanical stability.

Proposed actuator meets environmental durability requirements.

Abstract

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will be the future observatory for TeV gamma-ray astronomy. In order to increase the sensitivity and to extend the energy coverage beyond the capabilities of current facilities, its design concept features telescopes of three different size classes. Based on the experience from H.E.S.S. phase II, the Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics T\"ubingen (IAAT) develops actuators for the mirror control system of the CTA Medium Size Telescopes (MSTs). The goals of this effort are durability, high precision, and mechanical stability under all environmental conditions. Up to now, several revisions were developed and the corresponding prototypes were extensively tested. In this contribution our latest design revision proposed for the CTA MSTs are presented.