PlaneWave IRDK20 - 20 in f/6.8 IRDK Infrared Optimized Telescope OTA
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Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $400 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Specialized Optical Design for Infrared: This Dall-Kirkham optical design is tailored for infrared wavelengths, ideal for infrared astronomy and environmental LIDAR applications.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 508 mm aperture, 3454 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 224 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
PlaneWave Instruments 20 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK20 f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.8
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 20 in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 20 in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a 508 mm (20 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 in (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
PlaneWave Instruments 20 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK20 f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.8
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 20 in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 20 in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a 508 mm (20 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 in (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- IRDK20 in OTA
- 1x Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
- 1x OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube
- 1x Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $400 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Specialized Optical Design for Infrared: This Dall-Kirkham optical design is tailored for infrared wavelengths, ideal for infrared astronomy and environmental LIDAR applications.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 508 mm aperture, 3454 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 224 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
PlaneWave Instruments 20 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK20 f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.8
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 20 in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 20 in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a 508 mm (20 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 in (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- IRDK20 in OTA
- 1x Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
- 1x OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube
- 1x Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
PlaneWave IRDK20 - 20 in f/6.8 IRDK Infrared Optimized Telescope OTA