Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK24 features a generous 610 mm aperture paired with an f/6.5 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to capture light effectively. This combination is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, providing superb light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK24 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. Reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK24 offers durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance under varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK24 incorporates cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T applications, facilitating rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations can be susceptible to condensation, but the IRDK24 addresses this with sophisticated dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, thereby maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy: The IRDK24 is especially effective for infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications: With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK24 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR.

Optical Systems

Primary Mirror

Secondary Mirror

IRDK20’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK20 features a substantial 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK20 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK20 provides durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK20 includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations can be prone to condensation, but the IRDK20 addresses this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK20 excels in infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is crucial for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK20 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR applications.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror

IRDK17’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK17 features a considerable 432 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to capture infrared light effectively. This configuration is ideal for precise infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering superior light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK17 is finely tuned for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective components made from fused silica. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it optimal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, enhancing the telescope's versatility—please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK17 ensures durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This feature guarantees consistent performance across various conditions and is suitable for intensive scientific and research applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK17 has cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This system is essential for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, reducing potential image distortion, and improving overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Given that infrared observations are prone to condensation, the IRDK17 incorporates advanced dew-prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and sharp imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK17 excels in infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is vital for uncovering astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or conventional optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK17 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including applications in LIDAR, leveraging its specialized optical capabilities.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror

The IRDK14 from PlaneWave Instruments is a precisely engineered optical system designed for high performance in infrared wavelengths. It is an excellent tool for advanced astronomical research and remote sensing applications, offering superior performance for infrared imaging.

IRDK14’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK14 features a 356 mm aperture and an f/7.2 focal ratio, enhancing its capacity to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, providing exceptional light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK14 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it well-suited for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, and potential customers are encouraged to contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK14 offers durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance under various environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK14 includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This feature is critical for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations are prone to condensation, but the IRDK14 tackles this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces stay clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK14 excels in infrared astronomy, where its significant aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for precise observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK14 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR and other remote sensing applications.

Key Features Overview

The IRDK14 comes with impressive specifications tailored for infrared optimization:

• Gold-coated mirrors optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
• 14-inch (356 mm) aperture
• 2563 mm focal length
• f/7.2 focal ratio
• 282mm back focus from mounting surface
• 70mm image circle
• Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
• Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror