Gemini staff contributions
Figure 1.
Below, top:
Laser testing by Gemini
optical engineer Tom
Schneider conducted in
the Pier Lab “Laser Safe
Zone.”
On the Horizon
Below, bottom:
Gemini science operations
specialist Christy
Cunningham assisting
with GNEST Assembly in
the Pier Lab.
TOPTICA laser has its first night of commissioning
and science runs at Gemini South. The new next-
generation instrument OCTOCAM is now known as
SCORPIO. Visiting instruments are performing well
at both Gemini North and South, while plans for
others are underway.
Credit: Photos on this page
and next by Jeff Donahue
Gemini North TOPTICA Upgrade Moves Forward
On October 26, 2017, the TOPTICA Phototronics AG laser had its first
night of commissioning (and successful science runs) at Gemini South.
Since then, laser preparations and testing for the Gemini North laser
upgrade have been completed at the Level 1 Pier Lab. Following this
accomplishment, considerable work was performed to add the optical
bench, or beam injection module, to the Gemini North Electronic
System TOPTICA (GNEST) — home to both the laser head and op-
tical bench. Support electronics have also been added and tested.
On June 1st, the laser assembly was moved from the Level 1 Pier
Lab to Level 5; and there it will remain as we continue to prepare
the telescope for this addition, as additional components are re-
quired before we can mount the laser on the telescope. To date,
we have removed the old LMCT laser, restored the telescope to
pre-laser condition, and added our in-house designed heat ex-
changer and laser interlock system. The software group is also
working hard to develop the software interfaces that will be used
to run the new laser. We expect continued preparation on the
telescope this month and next.
July 2018
GeminiFocus
15