College of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Department of Astronomy
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The Ohio State University College of Mathematical & Physical Sciences Department of Astronomy |
Attendees: Darren DePoy, Paul Byard, Ray Gonzalez, Jerry Mason, Mark Derwent, Ralph Belville (notes by DDP)
This is the first week of Spring Quarter after spring break. Rick is observing at MDM, and Bruce and Dan are at Mt. Graham for Aluminization activities). We have had no team meetings since the MODS Progress Review on March 7.
Paul Byard discussed optics coatings and some ghost analysis. We tentatively decided to coat the field lenses with hard MgF2 for robustness, although Paul will investigate solgel further. Ghosts are predicted to be minimal thanks to the inherently off-axis nature of the optical design.
MODS Optomechanical Systems
Mark Derwent discussed plans for the MODS enclosure. Several good points were raised about requirements for the enclosure (moth-proof, access to the optics for cleaning, possible use of positive air pressure); it is clear that we need to write all this down and create a specification document for the enclosure. Darren will work with Tom and Mark on writing this.
Various sub-assemblies have been mounted onto the structure with clamps for an initial "fitting". All have fit well so far (only the dichroic changer and red camera are left to test). A pentaprism is also being fitted to the calibration tower for optical alignment and testing.
MODS Software
Ray Gonzalez is in the process of re-organizing the software packages for the motor control. He also has run motors using the MicroLYNX controller under Linux (with a direct serial connection); he will run them through the ethernet-to-serial box soon.
Project Schedule
Jerry and Mark are working on revising the project schedule. The new schedule will account for the anticipated delays in completing the large optics at SOML (particularly the blue and red correctors). A revised plan and time estimates for software will also be included. We also need to revise the schedule and plan for the detector systems (and particularly make some decisions about the dewar).