PF1000 f/2.25 with fused silicia optics

The PF1000 is a Folded Prime Focus observatory-class telescope and direct-drive alt-azimuth mounting system. Designed and engineered with a fast focal ratio, direct-drive motors, high resolution encoders, and zero backlash or periodic error, the PF1000 is the ultimate survey telescope for wide-field imaging.
With a 115 mm image circle and 2.25 focal ratio, the PF1000 is designed to produce wide-field images across a large format sensor. The optical system utilizes a folded Cassegrain focus allowing you to hold heavy instrumentation closer to the balance point of the telescope. The fused silica mirrors and 5-element field corrector showcase PlaneWave’s legendary pinpoint star images across an expansive field of view.

Requires a crating #1323510. The crating will be charged extra.

Key Features of the PF1000 Observatory System

PF1000 Optical Tube Assembly

• Air Flow Primary Baffle: Constructed from laser cut aluminum, the primary mirror baffles are precisely positioned to prevent stray light from entering the optical path, while eliminating tube currents and heat plumes damaging to image quality.
• Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 1-meter aperture and a 2251 mm focal length at an f/2.25 ratio, optimized for exceptional depth and clarity in deep-sky imaging.
• Built in De-Rotator: Integrated at the Cassegrain focus to accommodate heavy instrumentation of up to 100 lbs, this rotator uses a direct drive motor system with a 20" bearing for smooth, fast, and accurate 360-degree range of motion. The external mounting surface has a breadboard thread pattern for attaching custom instrumentation.
• Corrector Lens Assembly: Supported on a kinematic mount for precise and repeatable centering and alignment. Includes a desiccant in the lens chamber to protect the elements from moisture in the harshest of environments.
• Compact Mechanical Design: The folded Prime Focus design reduces the overall enclosure envelope making it well suited for inclusion in our co-rotating instrument enclosure or mounted on our trailer system for transportation and deployment to remote dark-sky sites.
• Folded Prime Focus Optical Design: Ideal for wide-field imaging, sky surveys of near earth objects (NEO), space debris, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
• Hexapod Secondary Support: Provides 6-axis of positioning and unparalleled stiffness that assists with precise focusing and collimation, and overall vibration suppression. The Hexapod, as with all other PF1000 devices, is controlled by PlaneWave's internal Edge Controller ether cat master and PWI Software.
• High-Quality Construction: Constructed with lightweight yet robust materials, including zero-expansion fused silica for the mirrors, ensuring minimal thermal expansion and optimal thermal equilibration, which maintains precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
• Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light, enhancing imaging quality under a variety of conditions.
• Instrument payload:
  136 kg (300 lbs), mounted on the field de-rotator plate.

Integrated Direct Drive Mount

• High-Performance Direct Drive System: Utilizes advanced direct-drive motors, ensuring smooth, fast, and silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and swift repositioning of celestial objects.
• High-Resolution Encoders: Features absolute encoders on each axis, providing exceptional precision in movement and positioning, crucial for top-tier astrophotography and detailed astronomical research.
• Innovative Alt/Az Design: Offers a compact and inherently stable alt-azimuth design with no cantilevered mass, reducing overall system weight and cost, and increasing ease of use compared to traditional equatorial mounts.
• Rapid Target Acquisition: Achieves impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, essential for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The PF1000 stands out as a formidable system for astrophotographers, with unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability that facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will value the PF1000 for its consistent performance and precision, serving as a robust platform for advanced photometry, spectroscopy, and comprehensive celestial studies, providing a solid foundation for significant scientific discoveries.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The PF1000 system, with its precise direct drive motors and high-resolution encoders, is capable of engaging in SSA and SDA applications, such as tracking satellites and space debris.