  Cornell, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Jet Propulsion Lab
(JPL) have joined together to study development of a 25 meter sub-millimeter
telescope (CCAT) on a high peak in the Atacama region of northern Chile, where
the atmosphere is so dry as to permit observation at wavelengths as short as
200 micron. The telescope is designed to deliver high efficiency images at that
wavelength with a total 1/2 wavefront error of about 10 microns. With a 20 arc
min field of view, CCAT will be able to accommodate large format bolometer
arrays and will excel at carrying out surveys as well as resolving structures
to the 2 arc sec. resolution level. The telescope will be an ideal complement
to ALMA. Initial instrumentation will include both a wide field bolometer
camera and a medium resolution spectrograph. Studies of the major telescope
subsystems have been performed as part of an initial Feasibility Concept Study.
Novel aspects of the telescope design include kinematic mounting and active
positioning of primary mirror segments, high bandwidth secondary mirror segment
motion control for chopping, a Calotte style dome of 50 meter diameter, a mount
capable of efficient scanning modes of operation, and some new approaches to
panel manufacture. Analysis of telescope performance and of key subsystems will
be presented to illustrate the technical feasibility and pragmatic cost of
CCAT. Project plans include an Engineering Concept Design phase followed by
detailed design and development. First Light is planned for early 2012.
