Diener AG Points to the Stars

Diener AG (Diener AG Precision Machining) has won an important contract to manufacture 1400 actuators for the next-generation gamma-ray telescopes designed by the prestigious Max Planck Institute of Physics in Munich.

 

Cherenkov-Gamma-ray-Telescope-Array-La-Palma

Cherenkov Gamma-ray Telescope Array La Palma

 

Diener’s Expertise in Precision Parts Manufacturing

This new contract is proof of Diener’s comprehensive expertise in the production of sophisticated robust precision parts and components. Diener AG will source, manufacture, clean, assemble, coat, test and package 1400 actuators, which will control the mirror positioning for an array of telescopes. They are to be built on the eastern side of La Palma, Canary Islands. The harsh weather conditions on the island require that the telescopes be built from materials resistant to high salt concentrations in air, varying temperatures and occasional strong winds. Diener’s long-standing expertise in machining of corrosion-resistant materials, non-ferrous metals and plastics will enable it to achieve the extraordinarily high axial tolerance requirement of 50µm for all 1400 actuators. It will also ensure their long-term exploitation under the varying weather conditions that the telescopes will be exposed to on the island.

 

Cherenkov-Telescope-Array

Cherenkov Telescope Array

 

The Importance of Gamma-ray Observation

The project is led by the prestigious Max Planck Institute of Physics in Munich. The telescopes are part of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) that will consist of a total of 120 individual telescopes and will be the world’s largest and most sensitive high-energy gamma-ray observatory, accessible to scientists from the global community. CTA’s high-precision telescopes will allow the scientists to address some of the most perplexing questions in astrophysics and study the most extreme cosmic sources including black holes, neutron stars, supernova remnants, and other mysterious objects.

Under the project, eight new large telescopes will be built. Covering both hemispheres, four telescopes on the island of La Palma and four in Chile. One prototype is already in operation in La Palma and three more will be built soon. The delivery of actuators for the Cherenkov Telescope Array will happen in 3 lots, with the first lot destined to La Palma in mid-2022 and the second and third shipments delivered by the end of 2022.

Diener AG is a member of Acrotec Group. Acrotec supplies a wide range of demanding industrial sectors. The groups strong technical expertise combined with the vertical integration of many production processes offers a qualitative and competitive service to our partners.

 

Cherenkov-Telescope-Array-La-Palma

Caption: Gamma-ray telescopes La Palma