High temperature superconducting bearings for lunar telescope mounts

Lamb, Mark; Bui, Ki; Cooley, Rodger; Mackey, Dougal; Meng, R. L.; Chu, C. W.; Chu, W. K.; Chen, P.C.; Wilson, Thomas L.

doi:10.1109/77.402757

Cited by 15 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Other applications for HTS bearings in which a cryogenic environment already exists include cryogenic turbine flow metres [161] and cryocoolers for space [29] or terrestrial use. Another application for which a cryogenic environment naturally exists is the use of HTS bearings in a lunar telescope [162]. The drive mechanism of the telescope must be capable of exceedingly fine steps and repeatability, and it must survive and operate in the cold temperatures of the lunar night.…”

Section: Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Superconducting bearings

Hull

2000

Supercond. Sci. Technol.

466

224

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The physics and technology of superconducting bearings is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the use of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) in rotating bearings. The basic phenomenology of levitational forces is presented, followed by a brief discussion of the theoretical models that can be used for conceptual understanding and calculations. The merits of various HTS bearing designs are presented, and the behaviour of HTS bearings in typical situations is discussed. The article concludes with a brief survey of various proposed applications for HTS bearings.

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Section: Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Superconducting bearings

Hull

2000

Supercond. Sci. Technol.

466

224

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“…The three main components are (1) a stator magnet, fixed with respect to ground, (2) a rotor magnet, to which the rotating liquid-mirror telescope is to be attached, and (3) high-temperature superconductor (Lamb et al 1995) stabilizer where indicated in Figure 3. The magnets are rare-earth permanent magnets, made of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron.…”

Section: Bearingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Cryogenic Liquid‐Mirror Telescope on the Moon to Study the Early Universe

Angel¹,

Worden²,

Borra³

et al. 2008

ApJ

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We have studied the feasibility and scientific potential of zenith observing liquid-mirror telescopes having 20Y100 m diameters located on the Moon. They would carry out deep infrared surveys to study the distant universe and follow up discoveries made with the 6 m James Webb Space Telescope (JWST ), with more detailed images and spectroscopic studies. They could detect objects 100 times fainter than JWST, observing the first high-redshift stars in the early universe and their assembly into galaxies. We explored the scientific opportunities, key technologies, and optimum location of such telescopes. We have demonstrated critical technologies. For example, the primary mirror would necessitate a high-reflectivity liquid that does not evaporate in the lunar vacuum and remains liquid at less than 100 K. We have made a crucial demonstration by successfully coating an ionic liquid that has negligible vapor pressure. We also successfully experimented with a liquid mirror spinning on a superconducting bearing, as will be needed for the cryogenic, vacuum environment of the telescope. We have investigated issues related to lunar locations, concluding that locations within a few kilometers of a pole are ideal for deep sky cover and long integration times. We have located ridges and crater rims within 0.5 of the north pole that are illuminated for at least some sun angles during lunar winter, providing power and temperature control. We also have identified potential problems, like lunar dust. Issues raised by our preliminary study demand additional in-depth analyses. These issues must be fully examined as part of a scientific debate that we hope to start with the present article.

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“…Another application for which a cryogenic environment naturally exists is the use of HTS bearings in a lunar telescope. 62 In this case, the drive mechanism must be capable of exceedingly fine steps and repeatability and survive and operate in the extremely low temperatures of the lunar night. Prototype HTS bearings for such a telescope have been constructed and tested.…”

Section: Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%