What is the PTCS?
The GBT has an ambitious program to allow effective operation at frequencies as high as 115 GHz
(wavelengths as short as 2.6 mm). Although observing at such frequencies makes use of many of the
same components as lower frequency operation, some additional capabilities are required.
A key new capability is the Precision Telescope Control System. This is the combination of metrology systems,
servos and control software which will deliver the pointing, collimation
and surface accuracy required to operate the GBT at frequencies up to 115 GHz (wavelengths
as short as 2.6 mm). For more quantitative information on the requirements, see Table 1 on page 15 of Project Note 27.
These PTCS web pages, built on TWiki, are intended to contain everything you need to
know about the PTCS Project, and the performance of the GBT Antenna. The pages are
divided into two main sections:
There is a fair amount of cross-referencing between these two main topics, so feel free to browse where the links take you! There is also a page describing the Formal Documentation.
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Quick Links |
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Design Reviews |
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Goal |
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"Provide the pointing, collimation and surface accuracy required
to allow the GBT to operate effectively at 3mm." |
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