Large Survey Camera Collimation and Alignment at the Observation Site by Curvature Sensing

Abstract Collimation and alignment of large survey cameras is an essential link for large survey telescope performance. A simple, stable, and fast collimation strategy is urgently needed after the correction lens assemblies are translated part-by-part at the observation site. This study proposes a method for the collimation of the correction lens assembly of a large survey telescope at the observation site. First, we investigated the method theoretically. The method was then demonstrated based on simulations in terms of reliability, while the wavefront of large transmission systems was characterized effectively. Finally, we optimized the alignment station to optimize the performance of the correction lens assembly. This study can enhance large survey telescopic developments and the design of similar large-transmission systems.