E-ELT M4
Extremely Large Telescope
2029
Project Specifications
Main Scope:
Adaptive Deformable Quaternary Mirror
Developed by:
AdOptica (Microgate + ADS International) - Support by INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri
First light
2029
Primary Mirror diameter
39
Secondary Mirror diameter
2,4
Number of actuators
5352
Structure size
Cerro Armazones, Chile
ESO
E-ELT M4
Extremely Large Telescope
Status:
Testing
Prototype testing, system integration
Description
The M4 mirror is a 2.4-meter-wide deformable mirror at the core of the E-ELT adaptive optics system. Equipped with more than 5,000 actuators, it dynamically reshapes its surface up to 1,000 times per second to compensate for the turbulence in the atmosphere’s lower layers and for structural vibrations, enabling unprecedented image sharpness and stability.
microgate responsibilities
Microgate is responsible for the design of the M4 mirror control strategy and control system, including the and development of the dedicated embedded electronics and related firmware and software.We also developed the direct expansion cooling system by which the whole unit follows accurately the ambient temperature. Our scope includes electronics manufacturing, subsystem validation and testing, system-level integration, and electromechanical/environmental testing. Microgate also supports optical testing and calibration activities and on-site commissioning.
