(Astro)physics, the science of measuring, counting and understanding. What do Swiss
What do ball screw drives have to do with it? There are a total of four large Cherenkov telescopes of the latest generation worldwide: Australia, Namibia, La Palma and the USA. Almost 4000 electrically driven, cold-rolled ball screws help researchers on the Canary Islands to observe the cosmos and gain more knowledge about the mysterious objects and extreme processes in the universe. The different positioning of the telescopes in the northern and southern hemispheres allows for optimal registration. But what exactly is the purpose of these observations and what role does Eichenberger Gewinde AG play in the most valuable achievements?
Its "MAGIC"
The two MAGIC telescopes (English: Major Atmospheric Gamma-Ray Imaging
Cherenkov Telescopes) are the most sensitive and largest Cherenkov telescopes in the world, each with a total mirror surface of 17 meters in diameter. This applies in particular to the energy range below 200 gigaelectronvolts (GeV). MAGIC focuses its eyes on objects that emit gamma rays from 30 GeV up to 100 TeV (teraelectronvolts). The telescope duo is located 2400 meters above sea level, where a mostly clear sky and low light pollution offer optimal observation conditions. On La Palma, the Earth's atmosphere is transformed into a gigantic particle detector. Within a few seconds, the MAGIC telescopes can be focused on any point in the firmament. The fact that the telescopes can focus so quickly on the source of a gamma-ray burst is thanks to their powerful drives and relatively low weight. 947 aluminum mirror segments mounted on carrier plates provide 247 m² of mirror surface. Each of the almost one thousand 50 x 50 cm mirror plates is driven on two sides by an amazingly fast and hard-wearing Carry 12 x 2 mm ball screw drive. These effective, cold-rolled screw drives align the individual mirrors to a pre-adjusted laser point with enormous precision and astonishing speed.
Normally, the gamma sources in the universe can only be studied from satellites, as gamma radiation cannot pass through the atmosphere. However, the flux of cosmic gamma photons falls off sharply towards higher energies, so that space observatories are no longer worthwhile for them. The gamma-ray flashes are invisible to the human eye, which is why the cameras in every MAGIC telescope detect the flashes reflected by the mirrors. Pulses are then processed by the electronic systems. Programs and simulations on the computer can now be used to reconstruct which particles have come down, which are uninteresting and which can ultimately provide information about which part of the universe the gamma rays have come from and with what energy.
are now regularly observed.
Achievements in astrophysics are extremely valuable
Physics does not invent things and biology does not cure anything. Engineers and doctors usually develop things on the basis of basic research, which can take place in space or in the field of astronomy. Astrophysics is concerned with the physical principles of research into celestial phenomena and is a branch of astronomy. Various technological developments from these observations have found their way into our everyday lives or into other scientific fields (medicine, biology, materials research). Countless technical applications originate from the radiation research department:
- CCD chips are used everywhere in digital cameras today
- Programming languages such as Forth or IDL, which were developed for astronomical applications, are used in industry today.
- (Commercial) satellites use astronomical techniques to determine their position from observations of the stars.
- Solar collectors use materials that have been developed for the construction of large telescopes.
- In nuclear medicine, detector systems and readout electronics originally developed for basic research in nuclear and particle physics are used in the imaging procedures of computer-assisted tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the case of PET as well as in tumor therapy with radiopharmaceuticals, specific radioisotopes are used.
- Shortly after the development of the first accelerators, the use of ion beams for tumor therapy in the fight against cancer was developed. Today, gamma rays, proton and heavy ion beams as well as neutrons are successfully used to irradiate tumors. Such irradiation is also used intensively at the SNAKE ion microprobe at the MLL tandem accelerator for radiobiological research at cell and tissue level in order to better understand the repair mechanisms in biological cells.
- Sensors developed for telescopic control are used for temperature monitoring in incubators for babies.
- A technique for improving the image quality of radio astronomical images is now used everywhere in WLAN networks.
- The gas chromatic analysis of luggage at airports, which is used to search for explosives and drugs, originates from a mission to Mars.
- In the past, methodological and technological developments from nuclear, particle and astroparticle physics have led to a large number of applications in other scientific fields. Today, for example, ion beams and neutron beams are indispensable in such diverse applications as the production of microelectronic components, the coating of surfaces, the production of new materials and functional materials, the analysis of materials, art objects, archaeological objects and biological cell and tissue samples or for medical therapy. Neutron scattering has developed into an independent field in the physics of condensed matter.
Ball screws with high performance and functional reliability
In 2020, the two MAGIC telescopes registered a gamma-ray burst whose intense radiation surpassed all previous measurements. But the observation data had even more to offer: With their evaluations, scientists were able to confirm that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and does not depend on the energy of the light particles... Every theory must be confirmed or falsified by data. Physics is the science of measuring, counting and understanding. If it is not possible to react quickly at such moments, unique opportunities for significant insights are lost.
The two 70-ton instruments can be rotated to any position in less than 20 seconds. In order for the mosaic-like telescopes to achieve the required short reaction time and exceptional precision, a technical masterpiece is required and the reliability of the mechanical drive elements is essential. Despite the most adverse weather conditions and extreme temperature differences, the screw drives must perform their task with absolute reliability.
And they do, because Eichenberger Gewinde AG offers exceptional quality. It starts with the development and mass production of the optimum thread geometry for special applications. Careful selection of materials and modern manufacturing processes result in robust, wear-free products with a high degree of efficiency that retain their value over a long life cycle.
No matter how specific the requirements are
Design engineers are regularly faced with the task of determining the appropriate drive technology for the realization of linear movements. Often, high infeed accuracies and oscillating movements of high frequency with the smallest strokes or high dynamics in continuous operation have to be mastered. The focus is on safety and reliability. Small installation space with high loads is often a challenge. Maintenance and service life and, last but not least, costs also play an important role. Eichenberger's spindle technology, thread rolling (cold forming of the lateral surface of round parts), combines maximum load capacity and force density with enormous dynamics and precision at maximum running performance.
