The device is positioned on a kinematic optical mount for thermal stability. The device is used in a vacuum chamber, since the soft X-rays to be measured are absorbed by the atmosphere. The NEAT instrument module support weighs several tons and is about ten feet high. It is made of welded stainless steel which is electropolished for use in the vacuum facility, since it has a low outgassing rate. It is motorized and uses ball screws and gears for moving the instrument device to the commands of the software.
Feedback is through rotary and linear encoders.
NEAT should be given a great deal of credit for the development of this device which has to operate accurately in a cryogenic vacuum which has created tremendous problems to be overcome. We are indebted to Bill Letendre for giving this excellent presentation. Jeff Foust, a planetary astronomer at MIT, will answer these and other questions about Comet Hale-Bopp in this talk. Many major aerospace companies will be represented and the Boston NSS has been invited to have an exhibit table as well. If you're interested in participating in this event, please come to the April meeting.