Performance Testing of a Trillium-based 21-Positioner Module for Stage-5 Telescopes

Abstract: Evaluating the performance metrics of theta-phi robotic positioners is crucial to gather insights into the system's behavior and ensure their reliability during operation in Stage-5 telescopes such as the Chinese MUST, the American Spec-S5 and the European WST. With a careful analysis of these metrics, a comprehensive characterization of the system's strengths is obtained, alongside a clear identification of aspects requiring improvement. Thus, providing potential avenues for streamlining and optimizing its design and functionality. In this paper we present the results of the positioning performance and angular tilt tests conducted on 6.2-mm pitch robotic positioner modules developed for high-density fiber positioning in next-generation astronomical systems. The fiber positioners from the tested prototype adopt a mechanical design based on the Trillium open design from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and were produced by the Japanese company Orbray. The evaluated performance metrics of positioning repeatability, datum repeatability, backlash, non-linearity, and angular tilt were measured and compared to the desired performance for Stage-5 telescopes. The positioners exhibited a generally acceptable performance, although noticeable anomalies affecting several metrics were identified and will require mitigation in subsequent prototypes. Nevertheless, the results indicate promising performance suitable for Stage-5 telescope instrumentation, provided that these issues are successfully resolved.