ligo-ex ligo-ds
  Richardson Lab Experimental Log, Page 12 of 15  Not logged in ELOG logo
New entries since:Wed Dec 31 16:00:00 1969
ID Date Authordown Type Category Subject
  454   Wed Oct 2 13:38:00 2024 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer Simulationscavity scan with averaged O4 ETM coating as plume
Attachment 1: O5plumevsCoating.png
O5plumevsCoating.png
Attachment 2: O5CoatAvgpt5.png
O5CoatAvgpt5.png
Attachment 3: O5AVgcoatingFROSTIpt5.PNG
O5AVgcoatingFROSTIpt5.PNG
  526   Tue Feb 25 10:56:25 2025 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer Simulationsmirror coating added for simulation rerun
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.
Attachment 1: updats_(3).pdf
updats_(3).pdf
  530   Tue Mar 4 10:18:43 2025 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer Simulationsattempted to remove curvature and tilt for the coating
Attachment 1: 3_4_updates.pdf
3_4_updates.pdf
  540   Tue Mar 11 11:28:52 2025 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer Simulationsflattening mirror to study power discrepency
Attachment 1: updates_3_11_(1).pdf
updates_3_11_(1).pdf
  554   Tue Apr 15 11:37:17 2025 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsFinishing up mirror coating map step
Attachment 1: updates_4_15_2025.pdf
updates_4_15_2025.pdf
  686   Thu Feb 19 12:34:18 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsPoint absorber simulation
Attachment 1: update_2_18.pdf
update_2_18.pdf
  692   Thu Mar 12 12:48:58 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsNew Result of point absorber+miscentering
Attachment 1: Untitled_presentation_(1).pdf
Untitled_presentation_(1).pdf
  697   Thu Apr 9 12:50:28 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vJPZ9H_umgsZacCLgsqAUZWjn7-6l77np3E_YgaSy_M/edit?usp=sharing
  698   Thu Apr 16 12:53:30 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
Attachment 1: 4_16_update.pdf
4_16_update.pdf
  703   Thu Apr 23 12:47:05 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
Attachment 1: 4_23_26.pdf
4_23_26.pdf
  707   Thu Apr 30 13:23:55 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
frequency locations of 5-8th order mode across arm power of 0-800kW
Attachment 1: scan_5-8.png
scan_5-8.png
  711   Thu May 7 13:35:14 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
Attachment 1: Screenshot_2026-05-07_133453.png
Screenshot_2026-05-07_133453.png
  712   Thu May 14 12:37:17 2026 CynthiaUpdateMeasuring Noise in InterferometerO5 Test mass design
Attachment 1: update_5_13.pdf
update_5_13.pdf
  713   Thu May 14 13:42:57 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer Simulationsless-roll-off coating
Attachment 1: e6caa8cf-2a96-49d8-a8b7-b84feab55404.png
e6caa8cf-2a96-49d8-a8b7-b84feab55404.png
  714   Thu May 28 12:54:38 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass
Attachment 1: 5_28_update_(1).pdf
5_28_update_(1).pdf
  716   Thu Jun 4 13:30:46 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsO5 Test mass Presentation
Attachment 1: Nonspherical_polishing_profile_design_recommendation.pdf
Nonspherical_polishing_profile_design_recommendation.pdf
  723   Thu Jun 25 13:45:11 2026 CynthiaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsPoster Draft
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tpYjs-gOfZgFFkffU0kv7rYKHu0xtfPyMZqF1qXHIOQ/edit?usp=sharing
  635   Tue Aug 26 12:45:41 2025 Christina, Ma, TylerUpdateCDSRIN Update
Slides
  600   Fri Jun 27 15:38:22 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSFROSTI Reconstruction

[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.

Attachment 1: IMG_4009.png
IMG_4009.png
  601   Tue Jul 1 11:04:00 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSFROSTI Reconstruction II

[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.

Attachment 1: IMG_4042.png
IMG_4042.png
  604   Mon Jul 7 16:39:18 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSPomona Box Drawings

Below are the drawings for the pomona box modifications

Attachment 1: pbdwg1.PDF
pbdwg1.PDF
Attachment 2: pbdwg2.pdf
pbdwg2.pdf
  608   Thu Jul 10 16:41:18 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCS 

[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.

Attachment 1: 2994921113032912040.JPG
2994921113032912040.JPG
Attachment 2: 4717009101108174053.JPG
4717009101108174053.JPG
Attachment 3: 5782646701589802125.JPG
5782646701589802125.JPG
  611   Tue Jul 15 10:40:23 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCS 

[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.

Attachment 1: rpon.png
rpon.png
  614   Tue Jul 15 13:13:48 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSPhotodetector optical post assembly
Attachment 1: pdreassembly.png
pdreassembly.png
  615   Tue Jul 22 12:20:29 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCS 

[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.

Attachment 1: PSDch0-15.png
PSDch0-15.png
Attachment 2: CSD2hz_16hz.png
CSD2hz_16hz.png
  619   Tue Jul 29 12:30:00 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCS260 hour ADC update

[Ma, Christina, Tyler]

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

Attachment 1: CSD_06_28_25_270hr.png
CSD_06_28_25_270hr.png
  624   Mon Aug 11 22:19:50 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSRed Pitaya Data Streaming

[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)

Attachment 1: 3.png
3.png
Attachment 2: 3-1.png
3-1.png
  629   Tue Aug 12 13:46:56 2025 ChristinaUpdate  
Attachment 1: 3.png
3.png
Attachment 2: 3-1.png
3-1.png
  631   Tue Aug 19 12:08:40 2025 ChristinaUpdateTCSRP Initial vs CyMAC Plot Comparisons
[Tyler, Ma, Christina]

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

Attachment 1: 11hzCSD.png
11hzCSD.png
Attachment 2: 11hzstrain.png
11hzstrain.png
  173   Thu Jul 27 10:18:43 2023 CelesteUpdateTCSGraphical Updates to HOM RH Modification
Attached are updated graphs of the irradiance distribution from the 1/8th ring heater units (extruded and reduced in length).
Attachment 1: HOM_RH_1_8_Unit_Modification_Graphs.pdf
HOM_RH_1_8_Unit_Modification_Graphs.pdf
  180   Fri Jul 28 17:45:45 2023 CelesteUpdateTCSGraphical Updates to HOM RH Modification, Friday 7/28
Updated 1/8th Heater simulation modification graphs. Slides 7, 10, 16-19 are new additions.
Attachment 1: HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress.pdf
HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress.pdf
  187   Tue Aug 1 16:22:35 2023 CelesteUpdateTCSGraphical Updates to HOM RH Modification, Tuesday 8/1
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).
Attachment 1: HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress_80123.pdf
HOM_RH_Simulation_Progress_80123.pdf
  200   Thu Aug 10 14:13:38 2023 CelesteUpdateTCS8/10/23, Simulation Graphical Progress
Attachment 1: Simulation_Progress__8_10_23.pdf
Simulation_Progress__8_10_23.pdf
  204   Fri Aug 11 10:57:20 2023 CelesteUpdateTCS8/11/23 Simulation Progress
Attachment 1: Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(1).pdf
Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(1).pdf
  209   Tue Aug 15 16:10:06 2023 CelesteUpdateTCS8/15/2023 Simulation Progress
Attachment 1: Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(2).pdf
Simulation_Progress__1_32nd_Model_(2).pdf
  586   Tue Jun 3 11:54:06 2025 Cece OchoaUpdate CE Cavity Design Update
Update on the design for the CE Cavity Mirrors
Attachment 1: CE_Arm_Cavity_.pdf
CE_Arm_Cavity_.pdf
  659   Thu Nov 6 12:39:43 2025 Cece OchoaUpdateELOGCE Cavity Design Update
Updated mode placements and ROC. No thermal effects added yet.
Attachment 1: base_0_6_plot.pdf
base_0_6_plot.pdf
Attachment 2: base_0_7_plot.pdf
base_0_7_plot.pdf
  663   Thu Nov 20 13:03:58 2025 Cece OchoaUpdateELOGCE Cavity Design Update
Update on grouping 0+8th Order Modes
Attachment 1: 11_20_update.pdf
11_20_update.pdf
  675   Thu Jan 29 12:46:22 2026 Cece OchoaUpdate CE Cavity Design Update (4)
Update for CE Cavity Arms + Modes https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-dXYylkAbNpHR4WVCx9Q8ryL_xGlH-JSSLXEUQg6b7Q/edit?usp=sharing
  683   Thu Feb 12 12:53:51 2026 Cece OchoaUpdateELOGCE Cavity Design Update
Update on HOM placement w/ cavity locking. Still verifying mode placement RoC: 28340m and 26874m
Attachment 1: 2_12_short_update.pdf
2_12_short_update.pdf
  Draft   Thu Mar 12 13:18:49 2026 Cece OchoaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsCE 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
  702   Thu Apr 23 11:32:48 2026 Cece OchoaUpdateInterferometer SimulationsCE Cavity Design Update
Update on CE Mirror RoC, simulation with FROSTI and cavity locking View Presentation
  717   Mon Jun 15 22:30:09 2026 Cece OchoaInfrastructureInventoryOptics Inventory
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.

Attachment 1: Optics_Inventory_(1).xlsx
Attachment 2: Optics_Inventory_-_Sheet1.pdf
Optics_Inventory_-_Sheet1.pdf
  724   Thu Jul 2 11:09:09 2026 Cece OchoaUpdateInventoryPPE/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.
  722   Thu Jun 25 13:21:31 2026 CeceUpdateInventoryOptics 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).
  6   Tue Jun 21 18:31:49 2022 Cassidy and PhoebeUpdateCamerasIR Absorbing Screen and FLIR Camera Setup
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.

Attachment 1: IMG_6751.png
IMG_6751.png
Attachment 2: IMG_1146.png
IMG_1146.png
Attachment 3: IMG_6756.png
IMG_6756.png
  9   Tue Jul 26 14:10:35 2022 CassidyUpdateCamerasOptical Post Replacement and Realignment
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!

Attachment 1: YAxisAlignment.png
YAxisAlignment.png
Attachment 2: XRotZAlignment.png
XRotZAlignment.png
Attachment 3: NewOpticalPost.png
NewOpticalPost.png
  81   Thu Apr 27 16:23:44 2023 Cao, Pamella and JulianPhysicsVACInstalling vacuum system (cont.)
    [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
    Attachment 1: IMG_0139.png
    IMG_0139.png
    Attachment 2: IMG_0136.png
    IMG_0136.png
      11   Mon Oct 3 17:21:39 2022 CaoUpdateTCSInspection of macor parts
    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
    Attachment 1: LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Spacer_Drawing_v4.pdf
    LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Spacer_Drawing_v4.pdf
    Attachment 2: Macor_spacer_0.jpg
    Macor_spacer_0.jpg
    Attachment 3: Macor_spacer_1.jpg
    Macor_spacer_1.jpg
    Attachment 4: LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Screw_Drawing_v6.pdf
    LIGO_Redesign_Macor_Screw_Drawing_v6.pdf
    Attachment 5: Macor_screw_5.jpg
    Macor_screw_5.jpg
    Attachment 6: Macor_screw_0.jpg
    Macor_screw_0.jpg
    Attachment 7: Macor_screw_4.jpg
    Macor_screw_4.jpg
      67   Tue Apr 11 13:15:40 2023 CaoInfrastructureClean & BakeNitrogen 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