A novel method for vibration damping developed by the Vienna University of Technology is suitable, for example, for optimizing mirrors in large telescopes, but could also help in the precision manufacturing of semiconductors.
Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) have invented a new technology for vibration dampening. Using electropermanent magnets, the vibrations of mirrors in large telescopes are actively suppressed and performance is greatly increased.
Base and floating platform
The vibration damping system at TU Wien consists of a fixed base and a platform floating above it. The latter is kept in a floating state by strong magnetic forces, and several electromagnetic actuators can then fine-tune the position of the platform with high precision in fractions of a second – even when a load of several kilograms is mounted on this platform, it is said.
According to the Austrian researchers, the system automatically detects whether it is still close to the desired operating point or whether remagnetization is necessary. “The technology would be a perfect fit for large telescopes that consist of several mirror segments. The telescope must be able to be aimed at different areas of the sky,” explains TU Vienna Institute Director Georg Schitter.
Precision manufacturing of chips
Electro-permanent magnet vibration damping can also be used in other areas, such as the precision manufacturing of semiconductors and large quality optics, adaptive actuators or laboratory-based precision measurement technology. “Wherever the highest possible precision is required, which could be disturbed by vibrations, our technology is an interesting solution,” the researchers are convinced.
Source: www.com-magazin.de
