Shutter mechanism for calibration of the cryogenic diffused infrared background experiment (DIRBE) instrument

The design requirements, the design, the assembly and alignment, and the test program for a shutter mechanism which must operate at cryogenic temperature and draw less than 1.0 milliwatt are discussed. The design solution to meet these requirements is a device that positions a mirror with repeated accuracy, has no wearing surfaces, and operates at 2.0 K. The unique feature of this device is the simplicity of the mechanism, thus obtaining high reliability.