E-ELT M4
Extremely Large Telescope
2027
Project Specifications
Main Scope:
High-precision telescope axes control system
Developed by:
Microgate, subcontractor of Cimolai SpA
First light
2027
Primary Mirror Ø
39
Quaternary Mirror Ø
2,4
Number of actuators
5352
Grandezza della struttura
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.
Technical highlights and project insights
Control focus
telescope tracking and pointing accuracy
Control architecture
real-time motion control system
Operational environment
large-scale telescope structure
Application Field
Telescope and Radio telescopes main axes control