Development of Technology for 2m Infrared Telescope in Antarctica

在南极洲，寒冷干燥的空气预计将为从红外线到亚毫米的天文观测提供地球上最好的观测条件。为了享受南极的优势，我们计划在位于南极内陆的富士圆顶进行天文观测。然而，恶劣的环境是一个很大的问题。例如，在冬季，温度低至-80摄氏度，专为温带环境设计的仪器无法工作。在这种情况下，我们开发了一种40厘米红外望远镜，即使在冬季也可以在富士圆顶使用。在设计望远镜时，我们考虑了望远镜所用材料的热膨胀率的差异。可移动的部分，如电机润滑脂，这将是有效的，在-80度。望远镜的大部分部件都是由铝制成的，以使望远镜尽可能轻，因此它使从海岸到内陆的运输和在富士圆顶的组装更加容易。我们还报告了我们在2008年2月在日本最冷的城市陆别所做的实验。详细介绍了与东北大学40厘米南极望远镜配套使用的南极红外相机AIR-C的设计过程。该相机还将与计划在Dome F的2米级日本望远镜兼容。首先，我们回顾了形成开发过程的设计要求。在设计过程中考虑了低温对透镜的影响。对AIR-C的性能进行了预测。最后，我们讨论了小型南极望远镜的科学潜力。

In Antarctica the cold and dry air is expected to provide the best observing conditions on the Earth for astronomical observations from infra-red to sub-millimeter. To enjoy the advantages in Antarctica, we have a plan to make astronomical observations at Dome Fuji, which is located at inland Antarctica. However, the harsh environment is very problematic. For example, the temperature comes down to as low as-80 degree Celsius in winter, where instruments designed for temperate environment would not work. In this context, we have developed a 40cm infra-red telescope, which is dedicated for the use even in winter at Dome Fuji. In designing the telescope, we took account of the difference of the thermal expansion rate among materials, which were used for the telescope. Movable parts like motors were lubricated with grease which would be effective at-80degrees. Most parts of the telescope are made of aluminum to make the telescope as light as possible, so that it makes the transportation from seacoast to inland and assembling at Dome Fuji easier. We also report the experiment that we have done at Rikubetsu (the coldest city in Japan) in February 2008. Details the design process for AIR-C, the Antarctic Infra-Red Camera, for use with Tohoku University's 40cm Antarctic telescope were designed. The camera will also be compatible with the planned 2 meter class Japanese telescope at Dome F. First, we reviewed of the design requirements which shaped the development process. The effect of cryogenic temperatures on the lenses was taken into account during the design process. AIR-C's performance is predicted. Finally, we discussed the scientific potential for a small Antarctic telescope.