ligo-ex ligo-ds
  Richardson Lab Experimental Log, Page 12 of 15  Not logged in ELOG logo
Entry  Wed Oct 2 13:38:00 2024, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, cavity scan with averaged O4 ETM coating as plume O5plumevsCoating.pngO5CoatAvgpt5.pngO5AVgcoatingFROSTIpt5.PNG
 
Entry  Tue Feb 25 10:56:25 2025, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, mirror coating added for simulation rerun updats_(3).pdf
I have tried to rerun the simulation on finesse after adding the mirror coating. The result has a large fluctuation in required input power vs arm power that is concerning. I am currently working on potentially resolve this issue and get a reasonable graph before I proceed to optimizing the thermal maps.
Entry  Tue Mar 4 10:18:43 2025, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, attempted to remove curvature and tilt for the coating  3_4_updates.pdf
 
Entry  Tue Mar 11 11:28:52 2025, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, flattening mirror to study power discrepency updates_3_11_(1).pdf
 
Entry  Tue Apr 15 11:37:17 2025, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, Finishing up mirror coating map step updates_4_15_2025.pdf
 
Entry  Thu Feb 19 12:34:18 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, Point absorber simulation update_2_18.pdf
 
Entry  Thu Mar 12 12:48:58 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, New Result of point absorber+miscentering Untitled_presentation_(1).pdf
 
Entry  Thu Apr 9 12:50:28 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vJPZ9H_umgsZacCLgsqAUZWjn7-6l77np3E_YgaSy_M/edit?usp=sharing
Entry  Thu Apr 16 12:53:30 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  4_16_update.pdf
 
Entry  Thu Apr 23 12:47:05 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  4_23_26.pdf
 
Entry  Thu Apr 30 13:23:55 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  scan_5-8.png
frequency locations of 5-8th order mode across arm power of 0-800kW
Entry  Thu May 7 13:35:14 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  Screenshot_2026-05-07_133453.png
 
Entry  Thu May 14 12:37:17 2026, Cynthia, Update, Measuring Noise in Interferometer, O5 Test mass design update_5_13.pdf
 
Entry  Thu May 14 13:42:57 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, less-roll-off coating  e6caa8cf-2a96-49d8-a8b7-b84feab55404.png
 
Entry  Thu May 28 12:54:38 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass  5_28_update_(1).pdf
 
Entry  Thu Jun 4 13:30:46 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, O5 Test mass Presentation Nonspherical_polishing_profile_design_recommendation.pdf
 
Entry  Thu Jun 25 13:45:11 2026, Cynthia, Update, Interferometer Simulations, Poster Draft 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tpYjs-gOfZgFFkffU0kv7rYKHu0xtfPyMZqF1qXHIOQ/edit?usp=sharing
Entry  Tue Aug 26 12:45:41 2025, Christina, Ma, Tyler, Update, CDS, RIN Update 
Slides
Entry  Fri Jun 27 15:38:22 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, FROSTI Reconstruction IMG_4009.png

[Tyler, Ma, Christina, Luke]

We threaded the wiring of the heater elements through the reflective surfaces and were able to attach each piece with the Macor spacers and connect both sides. We used the guide rails and screws to ensure proper alignment. The only necessary step left is to add the additional external screws for the reconstruction.

Entry  Tue Jul 1 11:04:00 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, FROSTI Reconstruction II IMG_4042.png

[Ma, Tyler, Christina]

Finished external reconstruction of the FROSTI by installing all the pins to the 2 DB 25 connectors. To ensure everything was operating correctly, we did electrical testing by testing continuity and by checking each of the heater elements' RTD and power resistance values and comparing them to what was tabulated in January. Additionally, we organized the wires and added the stands.

Entry  Mon Jul 7 16:39:18 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, Pomona Box Drawings pbdwg1.PDFpbdwg2.pdf

Below are the drawings for the pomona box modifications

Entry  Thu Jul 10 16:41:18 2025, Christina, Update, TCS,  2994921113032912040.JPG4717009101108174053.JPG5782646701589802125.JPG

[Christina, Ma, Tyler]

Pomona Box completed and is now on the server rack in 1119. Additionally, the photodetectors were connected to the box and set up in front of the heater elements.

Entry  Tue Jul 15 10:40:23 2025, Christina, Update, TCS,  rpon.png

[Christina, Ma, Tyler]

Yesterday, Ma and I started taking data for the PSD/CSD measurements while the photodetectors and one of the heater elements are on (8) and are using the Red Pitaya to compare it to the data we took for the same measurements on the CyMAC. It will be finished Wednesday morning, and then we plan on starting to take additional recordings in order to conduct the same type of comparison for the dark noise measurements.

Entry  Tue Jul 15 13:13:48 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, Photodetector optical post assembly pdreassembly.png
 
Entry  Tue Jul 22 12:20:29 2025, Christina, Update, TCS,  PSDch0-15.pngCSD2hz_16hz.png

[Ma, Christina, Tyler]

Figure 1 shows the following PSDs for channels 0-15 from the 14 hour test. Figure 2 shows the reduced chi squared and CSD plots for both the 2 Hz and 16 Hz resolutions.

Entry  Tue Jul 29 12:30:00 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, 260 hour ADC update CSD_06_28_25_270hr.png

[Ma, Christina, Tyler]

ADC CyMAC 260 hr, 8192Hz sampling rate channels V3 and Vref6

Entry  Mon Aug 11 22:19:50 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, Red Pitaya Data Streaming 3.png3-1.png

[Ma, Tyler, Christina]

This past week, we were able to set up the data streaming for continuous acquisition to the PCs, and can conduct the initial tests now. We were able to do this by:

  • Installing the correct OS ecosystems to each Red Pitaya
  • Installing the terminal streaming client
  • Debugging formatting and file saving issues by saving the data in a TDMS file on the host PC.
We have started streaming the ADC data on Monday from both boards for 2 days, which are currently in the clean room. Below are the ADC tests we performed before starting the 2-day run. (Time in ms)

Entry  Tue Aug 12 13:46:56 2025, Christina, Update, ,  3.png3-1.png
 
Entry  Tue Aug 19 12:08:40 2025, Christina, Update, TCS, RP Initial vs CyMAC Plot Comparisons 11hzCSD.png11hzstrain.png
[Tyler, Ma, Christina]

These are the frequency averaged and veto binned plots for the initial Red Pitaya and CyMAC systems.

Entry  Thu Jul 27 10:18:43 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, Graphical Updates to HOM RH Modification HOM_RH_1_8_Unit_Modification_Graphs.pdf
Attached are updated graphs of the irradiance distribution from the 1/8th ring heater units (extruded and reduced in length).
Entry  Fri Jul 28 17:45:45 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, Graphical Updates to HOM RH Modification, Friday 7/28 HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress.pdf
Updated 1/8th Heater simulation modification graphs. Slides 7, 10, 16-19 are new additions.
Entry  Tue Aug 1 16:22:35 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, Graphical Updates to HOM RH Modification, Tuesday 8/1 HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress_80123.pdf
Slides 20-33 are newly added (data/graphs from parameter sweep feature-1/8th heater unit length varied from 10% of original to 100% of original).
Entry  Thu Aug 10 14:13:38 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, 8/10/23, Simulation Graphical Progress Simulation_Progress__8_10_23.pdf
 
Entry  Fri Aug 11 10:57:20 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, 8/11/23 Simulation Progress Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(1).pdf
 
Entry  Tue Aug 15 16:10:06 2023, Celeste, Update, TCS, 8/15/2023 Simulation Progress Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(2).pdf
 
Entry  Tue Jun 3 11:54:06 2025, Cece Ochoa, Update, , CE Cavity Design Update CE_Arm_Cavity_.pdf
Update on the design for the CE Cavity Mirrors
Entry  Thu Nov 6 12:39:43 2025, Cece Ochoa, Update, ELOG, CE Cavity Design Update base_0_6_plot.pdfbase_0_7_plot.pdf
Updated mode placements and ROC. No thermal effects added yet.
Entry  Thu Nov 20 13:03:58 2025, Cece Ochoa, Update, ELOG, CE Cavity Design Update 11_20_update.pdf
Update on grouping 0+8th Order Modes
Entry  Thu Jan 29 12:46:22 2026, Cece Ochoa, Update, , CE Cavity Design Update (4) 
Update for CE Cavity Arms + Modes https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-dXYylkAbNpHR4WVCx9Q8ryL_xGlH-JSSLXEUQg6b7Q/edit?usp=sharing
Entry  Thu Feb 12 12:53:51 2026, Cece Ochoa, Update, ELOG, CE Cavity Design Update 2_12_short_update.pdf
Update on HOM placement w/ cavity locking. Still verifying mode placement RoC: 28340m and 26874m
Entry  Thu Mar 12 13:18:49 2026, Cece Ochoa, Update, Interferometer Simulations, CE Cavity Design Update 
Animation showing how modes shift in the CE arm cavity for radius 27581m and mirror radius of40cm as the laser powers up the 1.5 MW. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UNvWmONWYDzroelC5j_Z2emGSotyzcCC/view?usp=sharing
Entry  Thu Apr 23 11:32:48 2026, Cece Ochoa, Update, Interferometer Simulations, CE Cavity Design Update 
Update on CE Mirror RoC, simulation with FROSTI and cavity locking View Presentation
Entry  Mon Jun 15 22:30:09 2026, Cece Ochoa, Infrastructure, Inventory, Optics Inventory  Optics_Inventory_(1).xlsxOptics_Inventory_-_Sheet1.pdf
Spreadsheet of all tabletop optical parts in 1129 (Cabinet 1) linked here

Note that a couple of the optical posts still need to be measured for their diameters. Images are located in a Google Folder and linked on the spreadsheet so to view them you have to go to the Google Sheet.

Entry  Thu Jul 2 11:09:09 2026, Cece Ochoa, Update, Inventory, PPE/Cleaning Supplies Inventory 
[Shane, Cece] Shane has made a Google Form to take inventory of PPE and cleaning supplies. Additionally, she has made a form for purchase order requests. Please use the first form to take inventory when NEW supplies arrive, and in future cleanings use the form to take inventory so we can have an accurate count of what is in the lab. I have also made an optics inventory form that will update the previous optics inventory spreadsheet.
Entry  Thu Jun 25 13:21:31 2026, Cece, Update, Inventory, Optics Inventory Update 
[Shane, Ma, Cece]

Updated optics inventory here.

Changes made: removed thrown out optics from sheet, added new optics found during Ma and Shane's cleaning, updated optics location (now all in 1119 optical cabinets, mostly in labeled yellow bins).
Entry  Tue Jun 21 18:31:49 2022, Cassidy and Phoebe, Update, Cameras, IR Absorbing Screen and FLIR Camera Setup IMG_6751.pngIMG_1146.pngIMG_6756.png
Today we set up the IR absorbing screen and the camera on the optical table, as well as tested that the camera was functioning as expected (picking up heat sources beyond the screen).

Screen Setup

The screen was set up by clamping it between two rectangular posts on each side. First, two posts were set up with 22 in. between them (thus allowing the screen to span a total distance of up to 24 in. when clamped down). To best stabilize the screen and to allow for it to be "pulled" taut by exploiting the give in the L-bracket, the L-bracket was bolted on the outside of the post, along the same axis as the screen itself.

On first attempt, the screen was too thin to be fully clamped between the posts. In order to have it fit snugly, sections of heat shrink tubing was used as a shim at the points where the posts were clamped together. The tubing was slid into the track of one optical post at the desired points. In order to accommodate the shim, the two posts had to be held together, ideally clamped, with the screen and shim in place. Then, the post clamps could be slid into the tracks of the post, moved to the optimal location, and tightened down. This required at least three people: two to tighten one side while the third holds up the screen on the other side. The screen was placed ~1/8" from the edge of the posts and flush with the top.

Camera Stage Setup

Once the screen was in place, the camera stage was set up by placing the XY-Translational with Rotation stage on four 3" optical posts. Then, the z-axis stage was placed in the center of that, with another 3" optical post on top, which was then topped with the camera. This was set and clamped down ~22.5" from the screen. This was about 1" closer than expected based on our theoretical models.

Fine Alignment

We used the visible camera to fine align the screen and to test the setup. Notably, the visible camera is placed below the infrared and thus requires a calibration in order to ensure the two are aligned on the computer image. This can be set by hand using the FLIR proprietary software (FLIR CamWeb) and adjusting the "MSX alignment". The image mode "Thermal MSX" allows both the visible and IR camera to be displayed at once and the difference in their positioning can be seen. We found an offset of ~0.5m to be nearly accurate (note: using this method, although you can get more accurate than this, the displayed value only has one significant figure).

In order to align the camera, we first used the exposed top edge to judge whether the camera was appropriately centered on the screen. We set the rotation as close as possible to being in line by eye, then adjusted the y-axis until the gap on both corners was a similar size, thus indicating that the rotation and y-position were correctly set. Rotationally, the camera required only a refinement of -1/2 degree. The y-axis is set at 1.25. Then, the camera was pulled as far from the screen as possible using the x-axis to allow the screen to be easily centered using the z-axis. Once the outlined test mass was centered, the x-axis was used to bring the camera close until the screen just barely filled the field of view. The x-axis is at 2.25. The z axis is set to it full dynamic range at 10. Unfortunately, the camera is still slightly too tall for the screen, likely requiring the purchase of a new optical post about 0.5in shorter the current one. This interchange will likely require a new fine alignment after.

Basic Imaging Tests

The camera was also focused on the screen based on the manufacturer's printed distance on the camera itself (using 22.5", or 0.572 m). Using the FLIR proprietary software, the camera appears to be in focus in IR (a hand was used as a good focusing tool for this). Additionally, the camera does pick up heat on the other side of the screen. A hand can be lightly seen warming the screen, as can a soldering iron tip. This was a very imprecise visual tool, but does indicate that the camera and screen are working roughly as expected.

Next Steps

A new optical post that is ~2.5" tall should be ordered to replace the one under the camera currently. The heating system also needs to be ordered and set up. Currently we are debating between a parabolic reflector with a hole in the back, and one without, as each would require a different mounting mechanism for the cartridge heater.

Entry  Tue Jul 26 14:10:35 2022, Cassidy, Update, Cameras, Optical Post Replacement and Realignment YAxisAlignment.pngXRotZAlignment.pngNewOpticalPost.png
Today I replaced the 3" optical post that the camera rests on with a 2" optical post in order for the screen to correctly fill out the camera's FOV. The 3" post is now in the glass optics cabinet next to the FLIR camera configuration box, wrapped in the protective materials from the 2" post for safekeeping.

There were no issues with the physical replacement of the post, except that the fork clamp on the post needs to be on one of the perpendicular, not diagonal, axes in order to be secure. I chose the front axis (towards the screen) as before in order to easily access the alignment knobs.

To align, I followed the same process as last time except for a more purposeful original rough alignment. For alignment purposes, the visual camera was used. For the first rough alignment, I pulled the camera as far back as possible on the x axis (with the z axis roughly centered), then moved the entire stage setup back until I could just see both the top and bottom edge of the screen. Then, I set the z-axis to an extreme in order to use the edge of the screen to align the rotational and y-axis pieces for the fine alignment.

For the fine alignment, starting with the z and x axis at extremes, I began by aligning the rotational axis. To do this, I used the gaps between the top of the screen and the camera window on the far left and right of the image. When these gaps were equal I knew the rotation was adequately set. Then, I set the y-axis so that the pattern was centered. If the gaps were no longer even, I redid the rotation alignment and ditto with the y axis until both were set. This resulted in a rotation of about two degrees and a y axis at just under 3.5.

To set the z and x axis, I centered the z-axis using the top and bottom of the screen, which should both be visible if the rough alignment was done correctly. Then, I adjusted the x axis by pushing it forward until the top and bottom of the screen were just out of the frame. As with the rotational and y-axis, I iteratively fine tuned the x and z axis until both the image was centered in the z axis and only the screen was in view. This resulted in a z-axis value of just over 5.5 and an x axis value of nearly 1.75.

Pictures are included of all alignment knobs and the new post/stage setup!

Entry  Thu Apr 27 16:23:44 2023, Cao, Pamella and Julian, Physics, VAC, Installing vacuum system (cont.) IMG_0139.pngIMG_0136.png
    [Pamella, Cao and Julian, Shane]
  • Particles account
  • 10:37 am: Starting the particles account
    1. Zone 3:
      • 0.3u: 1662
      • 0.5u: 872
      • 1.0u: 415
    2. Zone 4:
      • 0.3u: 831
      • 0.5u: 124
      • 1.0u: 0
  • 11:14 am: Start removal of calibrated leak to install 45 deg elbow
  • 11:21 am: Elbow installed, re-install calibrated leak back on
  • 11:29 am: Finished re-install calibrated leak, start installing gate valve on pump line
  • 11:47 am: Finished installing gate valve, start installing reducing cross onto gate valve
  • 12:02 pm: Finished installing reducing cross, start installing 90 deg elbow to reducing cross
  • 12:17 pm: Finished installing reducing cross, lunch break
  • 01:24 pm: Come back to the lunch break.
  • 01:26 pm: Start installing vacuum hose to elbow.
  • 01:40 pm: Finished installing vacuum hose.
  • 01:43 pm: Start installing turbo pump.
  • 02:00 pm: finished installing turbo pump .
  • 02:10 pm: Start installing standard wall hose from turbo pump to scroll pump
  • 02:21 pm: finished installing hose onto scroll pump, start installing lid. Remove lid from chamber, insert viton O-ring. Place lid back
  • 02:30 pm: Secure lids with screw. Start installing turbo pump controller cable: Pass cable from outside (controller) up the top of clean tent and connect to 8 pin connector on turbo pump
  • 03:00 pm: Installing air cooling unit for turbo pump, found 8 M3 screws for air cooling unit in the C&B cabinet to install the fan bracket onto the back of turbo pump. Fan control cable is routed up to the top of the cleanroom to the controller
  • 03:15 pm: Installing full-range gauge cable to the controller outside cleanroom. Ethernet cables 1 and 2 are used. Cable 1 is used on the RGA line gauge. Cable 2 is connected to the main body gauge. Cable1 and 2 are connected controller's channel 1 and 2 respectively.
  • 04:00 pm: Finish installing gauges cables. Cables are routed up along the frame to the controller sitting outside the cleanroom
  • 04:15 pm: Finished. End-of-date particle count
    1. Zone 3:
      • 0.3u: 3699
      • 0.5u: 1454
      • 1.0u: 872
    2. Zone 4:
      • 0.3u: 1662
      • 0.5u: 706
      • 1.0u: 290
    Entry  Mon Oct 3 17:21:39 2022, Cao, Update, TCS, Inspection of macor parts 7x
    The macor parts arrived and inspected today. These include:
    1. Macor spacer (drawing: LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Spacer_Drawing_v4.pdf attached below), quantities: 40
      • No defects, damages observed
      • Parts are free from grease/ machining fluid
      • Wall thickness of 1 mm appear to provide sufficient stiffness to part
      • Images of parts: Macor_spacer_0.jpg, Macor_spacer_1.jpg
    2. Macor 5-40 UNC screw (drawing: LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Screw_Drawing_v6.pdf attached below), quantities: 20
      • One screw broke, location of break: should edge between head and shaft (see image Macor_screw_5.jpg )
      • All other screws look ok, no damage observed, clean surface overall
      • Images: Macor_screw_0.jpg , Macor_screw_4.jpg
    Entry  Tue Apr 11 13:15:40 2023, Cao, Infrastructure, Clean & Bake, Nitrogen gas tank replaced 
    The nitrogen gas tank has been replaced with a new unit. The new tank is ultra pure nitrogen (>99.9% nitrogen). The new tank has been placed and secured to the rack where the old one is; cap is removed and regulator is reinstalled onto the new tank.
    ELOG V3.1.3-7933898