Training - Short Course on Opto-Mechanics for Astronomical Instrumentation Developers (SH-OP-003)

Course summary

This course provides attendees with a basic working knowledge of opto-mechanical systems projects. The lessons introduce some mechanical and geometrical optics concepts as well as design techniques completely applied to Astronomical Instrumentation, during the design, manufacturing, assembly and tests phases. It shows the technical relationships between structural mechanics, materials properties, environmental influences and optical design. Practical design examples will be described to provide solutions to some typical opto-mechanical problems found when developing Astronomical Instrumentation for large telescopes.

Course content and index

At whom the course is oriented

This material is intended for anyone who needs to learn how to design opto-mechanical systems. Due to the experience of our company and teachers in Astronomical Instrumentation, the course is fully focused on ground Telescopes and Instrumentation development.

Previous grounding

Specific skills for students are:

  • Mechanical Engineers who need to solve opto-mechanical design problems
  • Optical designers will find that the course will give insight into the mechanical aspects of optical systems.
  • System engineers and Project managers involve in Instrumentation design who want update their knowledge in opto-mechanics will find this course valuable.

What this course is not

One academic year of mechanical engineering neither a course of optics. It's not also a course in finite elements or software engineering.

At the end of this course, attendees will

  • Learn to determine the stiffness and stability of optical support structures.
  • Select appropriate materials for using in opto-mechanical systems.
  • Determine the effects of temperature changes on optical systems, and develop design solutions.
  • Design low stress mounts for lenses.
  • Select appropriate mounting techniques for mirrors and prisms.

Other courses are available on the Course Calendar.