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In February
1999, the only specification given to me was to expand or contract a steel
rod standoff +/- 25µm.
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This would in
turn reduce the surface error from 25 µm to 15 µm RMS. Improve the aperture efficiency by a
factor of 2, integration time by a factor of 4.
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Several single
channel prototypes were made and one proven to work at sea level. This working setup was installed on
the summit and tested over many days and nights. This helped flesh out not only it’s capabilities but also
it’s limitations. This also
helped determine parts and materials, in order to create the best working
environment for the prototype.
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Thermal studies
were conducted to learn about any adverse effects on the dish. These effects were determined to be
tolerable.
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A 3 Channel
Controller & Driver prototype was built and tested on the dish. In January 2001, I demonstrated its
capabilities to Tom Phillips. In
response, he wanted all 99 built immediately.
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~Melanie Leong~
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