PlaneWave IRDK17 Infrared Optimized Optical Tube

PlaneWave IRDK17 Infrared Optimized Optical Tube

Description:
The PlaneWave IRDK17 is a professional-grade optical tube engineered for superior infrared performance. Built on a purely reflective Dall-Kirkham design, it features no refractive lenses—only protected gold-coated mirrors delivering over 98% reflectivity from 650 nm to 5000 nm. UV-optimized coatings are also available.

Its large 432 mm aperture and 2939 mm focal length (f/6.8) provide exceptional infrared light collection, ideal for long-exposure astrophotography and scientific imaging. With a 70 mm corrected image circle, it supports large-format sensors with high-resolution results, limited only by atmospheric seeing and tracking.

The mechanical structure is made entirely of carbon fiber, including upper and lower trusses and a full-length carbon shroud. This ensures low thermal expansion, high rigidity, and reduced weight (48 kg), making it suitable for demanding research installations.

Thermal management is ensured by a Delta-T Ready system with integrated fans and software-controlled heater pads for both mirrors. These prevent dew and maintain stable optical performance throughout the night.

The IRDK17 is an exceptional platform for infrared astronomy, enabling detection of faint and obscured celestial phenomena, and is equally suited for remote sensing or advanced LIDAR applications.

Technical specifications:

Optical design: Dall-Kirkham (IR optimized, fully reflective)
Aperture: 17" (432 mm)
Focal length: 2939 mm
F-ratio: f/6.8
Corrected field: 70 mm
Central obstruction: 23.7% by area; 48.6% of diameter
Back focus (from mounting): 10.32" (262.33 mm)
Back focus (from racked-in focuser): 7.24" (184 mm)
OTA weight: 106 lbs (48 kg)
OTA length: 42" (1067 mm)
Tube structure: carbon fiber trusses (upper/lower), carbon fiber light shroud
Cooling system: Delta-T Ready, with fans
Dew control: built-in heater pads, software controlled
Coatings: protected gold (650 nm – 5000 nm), UV coatings optional