{"product_id":"irdk12-5-telescope","title":"PlaneWave IRDK12.5 F\/8 OTA","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"312\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"312\"\u003ePlaneWave IRDK12.5 – 12.5-Inch Infrared-Optimized Dall-Kirkham Telescope System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"733\"\u003eThe IRDK12.5 from PlaneWave Instruments is a precision-engineered infrared-optimized observatory-class system tailored for professional astronomers and researchers. Designed specifically for applications requiring sensitivity in infrared wavelengths, the IRDK12.5 is ideal for advanced astronomical research, atmospheric studies, and terrestrial or orbital sensing tasks that demand high contrast and low thermal noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003eBuilt around a durable carbon fiber optical tube and incorporating low-expansion fused silica mirrors, this system delivers maximum stability across fluctuating environments. The gold-coated optics further enhance reflectivity in the infrared spectrum, ensuring clean, high-resolution data in challenging observational scenarios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1498\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Infrared-optimized Dall-Kirkham (IRDK)\u003cbr data-start=\"1153\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 318mm (12.5 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1194\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1210\"\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/8\u003cbr data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2541mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1259\"\u003eBack Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 265mm from mounting surface\u003cbr data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1290\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1307\"\u003eImage Circle:\u003c\/strong\u003e 52mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1334\"\u003eMirror Coating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold (optimized for IR; UV coating optional)\u003cbr data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1382\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1402\"\u003eMirror Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fused silica – low thermal expansion\u003cbr data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1459\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eOTA Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carbon fiber – lightweight and rigid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1500\" data-end=\"1503\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1535\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1535\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1792\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003e- Infrared Astronomy \u0026amp; Remote Sensing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003eGold-coated mirrors deliver maximum reflectivity in IR bands, enhancing performance in scientific fields like exoplanet studies, star formation research, and Earth observation via airborne or orbital platforms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"2030\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1841\"\u003e- Thermal Stability for Consistent Imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1844\"\u003eThe fused silica mirror system offers extremely low thermal expansion, allowing the telescope to maintain focus and optical alignment during long observing runs in changing temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2271\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2084\"\u003e- Compact and Versatile Observatory Integration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2087\"\u003eAt 12.5 inches in aperture, the IRDK12.5 is compact enough for mobile or remote installations but powerful enough to serve as a primary instrument for specialized IR research missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2273\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2273\" data-end=\"2320\"\u003e- Wide Compatibility with Infrared Sensors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2323\"\u003eThe 52mm corrected image circle ensures clean imaging across many modern scientific-grade IR detectors, while the generous back focus provides flexibility for additional instrumentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2717\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003e- Rugged Lightweight Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2552\"\u003eA rigid carbon fiber OTA supports low-vibration, long-duration observations while also simplifying installation into custom mount systems or adaptive optical setups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49937787420960,"sku":"125120Q","price":17000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/image_2025-09-16_104619161.png?v=1758044779","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/irdk12-5-telescope","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}