Uncovering the secrets of the Universe starts with a clear, detailed view. Unfortunately, this is a challenging task for Earth-based telescopes, because they need to overcome one major obstacle: the Earth’s atmosphere. That’s where Microgate’s adaptive optics, built for the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), come into play.

Microgate, a company based in Bolzano, Italy, is a specialist in high-precision control systems. Currently, the company works on the adaptive mirror for the world’s largest optical telescope, powering its cutting-edge technology with Vicor high-density DC-DC converter modules.

Make no mistake, the ELT is quite an engineering achievement. With a primary mirror stretching an astonishing 39 meters in diameter, it should be able to capture the faintest traces of light from deep space. But light traveling from distant stars gets distorted as it passes through the atmosphere, degrading image quality. Adaptive optics are the solution — and they demand a power system that’s just as sophisticated as the technology they enable.

At the heart of the ELT’s adaptive optics system is a 2.4-meter secondary mirror, just 1.9 mm thick, fitted with over 5,300 voice coil motors. These motors deform the mirror in real-time to correct for atmospheric distortions; yup, they essentially delete the atmosphere from the picture. However, this process requires rapid, precise control and dense power distribution across a compact surface. Each motor operates in tandem with nanometer-accurate position sensors, continuously reshaping the mirror to restore a flat wave-front and produce sharp, high-resolution images.

Powering this entire process are the Vicor DCM3623 isolated DC-DC converter modules. Chosen for their compact size, thermal efficiency, and high power density, these modules allow Microgate to supply clean, reliable power to each motor channel while meeting the system’s tight spatial and thermal constraints. Mounted directly onto gas-cooled cold plates beneath the mirror, the DCM3623 modules eliminate complex wiring and support up to 36 motor channels each — a critical advantage in such a densely packed system.

According to Microgate hardware engineer Gerald Angerer, Vicor’s modules were the only solution capable of delivering the performance needed within such a compact footprint. “We’ve been using them (Vicor power modules) for over 10 years, and there is currently no comparable substitute,” said Angerer.

Thanks to Vicor power technology, Microgate’s adaptive optics system can reshape the mirror up to 1,000 times per second. Hence, they enable ground-based telescopes to rival space telescopes in clarity, while offering more flexibility and easier upgrades. In powering this optical precision, Vicor is helping astronomers and cosmologists push the boundaries of discovery, one photon at a time.