CTEC ACTUATORS FOR THE EXTREMELY LARGE TELESCOPE (ELT) – ESO

CTEC is pleased to announce the successful tests of the second qualification model of Tip Tilt Actuators (TTA). This APA500XXL actuator will be used in the stabilization units for the M5 mirror of Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). It displays 680µm of stroke and a stiffness of 70N/µm. The encapsulation of the piezo material has been successfully tested without any leakage detected. In 2021, this qualification model went through the lifetime tests: 22 Million cycles were performed successfully at full stroke. This result, combined with a good thermal behavior, allows CTEC to pass the Final Design Review successfully two months ahead on schedule. In 2022 CTEC will have to deliver the final Units. They shall be able to operate at least for 30 years.