The Perkin-Elmer Corporation has designed and built a cryogenically cooled Fourier transform spectrometer for spaceborne applications. In operation, the spectrometer requires mirrors moving at constant velocity in both forward and reverse directions. To maintain efficiency and accuracy, the time taken to reverse direction and the vibration induced due to this reversal must be kept within low limits. This paper deals with the control system design for maintaining a constant velocity during forward and reverse scans and for smooth direction reversals. The systems aspects of the problem are described, and time-domain techniques of modern control theory are applied for optimization of turn-around profile. The analysis leads to a suboptimal design easily implemented by using analog-type components. Test results of satisfactory performance are also included.

Date Published: 21 December 1981
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 0295, Control and Communication Technology in Laser Systems, (21 December 1981); doi: 10.1117/12.932416

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0295:
Control and Communication Technology in Laser Systems
Kay Yong, Editor(s)