ligo-ex ligo-ds
  Richardson Lab Experimental Log, Page 7 of 12  Not logged in ELOG logo
ID Date Author Type Category Subjectdown
  198   Wed Aug 9 11:32:56 2023 JonInfrastructureGeneralNew power cables

I delivered new NEMA 5-15 (120V / 15 A) power cables to the lab for the following items:

  • WS2 (cleanroom) cart - 10ft cable
  • Electronics workbench overhead LED - 10ft cable
  • Both PI heater controller sets - (2) 6ft cables

I installed the new cables on the WS2 cart and the workbench myself, and left the two 6ft cables (as pictured below) for Aiden to install on the PID controllers after the current bake is finished.

Attachment 1: IMG_0299.jpg
IMG_0299.jpg
  562   Fri Apr 25 19:18:10 2025 Luke UpdateScripts/ProgramsNew optimization plots

I have created two more plots. One on the transmitted power for a specific configuration. This was done by taking the product of the efficiency and the power released by surface area of the source plane for a configuration assuming it is at 300C. The second is a plot of how close the reflector is to the test mass I have included a contour line at 2mm the nominal proximity constraint. Both of these plots are generated for a 2cm wide target plane.

Somethings of note: Because the proximity requires no modeling and can be determined purely mathematically it is easy to re-generate this plot of other target widths. If you increase the target width the proximity contour moves upward and downwards if reduced.

Attachment 1: effective_power.png
effective_power.png
Attachment 2: proximity.png
proximity.png
  575   Sun May 11 19:36:42 2025 Luke UpdateScripts/ProgramsNew optimization plots

Slides

I have re-run the optimization plots with the changes mentioned last week. 

I have added the heat maps of the HOM scattering from HR deformation and the HOM scattering due to the OPD difference as well as the curvature actuation of the surface. 

  135   Tue Jun 27 15:18:26 2023 PamellaUpdateFLIRNew data collection
    [Pamella]
    Yesterday, I did a new data collection. I could get a better data in this time and I realized than I need use some angle on the reflector for got a better shot. I need do that because the FLIR camera just is able to get the triangle shape for complete if I keep exactly in same line for center point on the camera but for the data now I need move the refletor to go up and go down. So wasn't working very well if I keep the reflector without angle.
    Now I am using the refletor with a angle. In the more high part I turn the mask for look the table and in the lower part I turn the mask to look up. I attached a photo below for this configuration. Also the processes to get the data was the same than I using last time, the only diference is now I just moved the pillar after get data for high position and lower position for the same reference point on the triangle shape.
    Note: In most data it is impossible to keep the same parameter for current, voltage and temperature. Most have a small variation but not a big difference. For example: I got the temperature in the first position 46.8 °C and in the second position I got 47.1 °C, it's just an example. It's just so we know that we don't have the exact same parameters all the time. In my opinion this is not a problem because it is just a small variation.
    The process to get data
  • 09:35 am: Turned on the device (current on). I wanted for 30 minutes before start get data.
  • 10:05 am: Started taking snap on position one (Reference point: -0.10, 0.050). Parameters:0.11A,1.7V,46.8°C
  • I took four snap on the same position for compare after on data analyzes. I just wanted one minute break between the snaps. I did the same for every position.
  • 10:15 am: Started taking snap on position two (Reference point:-0.10,-0.050 ). Parameters: 0.11A,1.7V,47.1° C
  • 10:22 am: Started taking snap on position three (Reference point:0.00 ,0.050). Parameters: 0.11A,1.6V,48.1°C
  • 10:26 am: Started taking snap on position four (Reference point: 0.00,-0.050). Parameters:0.11A,1.6V,48 °C
  • 10:32 am: Started taking snap on position five (Reference point: 0.05,-0.050). Parameters:0.11A, 1.6V, 48°C
  • 10:37 am: Started taking snap on position six (Reference point: 0.05,0.050). Parameters: 0.11A,1.7V,47.6 °C
  • We can see in the photos attached below every position also I am working in the analyzes.
Attachment 1: FLIR_data.002.jpeg
FLIR_data.002.jpeg
Attachment 2: FLIR_data_2.002.jpeg
FLIR_data_2.002.jpeg
  123   Tue Jun 13 21:33:46 2023 PamellaUpdateGeneralNew cabinet for PPI
[Pamella and Dr.Richardson]
    Dr. Richardson installed the new cabinet outside the room for the PPI equipments, and then I wiped all surfaces inside and outside of the new cabinet.
    Dr.Richardson and I have finished organizing the PPI within the new cabinet. Also we have new supplies of gloves, and will likely have more supplies for other PPIs soon.
  157   Fri Jul 14 16:49:42 2023 PamellaUpdateFLIRNew bridge and calibration data
[Pamella]
    Aiden 3D printed a new bridge for the heater and I installed the new bridge yesterday.
    I started collecting data to plot a calibration with the heater. I'm doing measurements with current and the thermocouple (thermometer) to compare with FLIR measurements and have a good calibration.
Attachment 1: IMG_8606.jpeg
IMG_8606.jpeg
  367   Mon May 13 14:48:27 2024 AidenUpdateVACNew Vacuum Chamber Design
I created a new model for the vacuum chamber based on the ideas from last week's meeting.

It should be noted that we can not have the zero length reducer and the gate valve on the same arm as they both have blind tapped holes. We need to decide if we want the gate valve or not as if we do, we will need to use the 3 inch long reducer.

Important Measurements:

From the back of the flange to the back of the RGA: 25.25 in

Height from bottom of the blank to the bottom of the chamber: 2.75 in

Attachment 1: VaccumChamberAssembly__Redesign_v5.jpg
VaccumChamberAssembly__Redesign_v5.jpg
  398   Mon Jul 8 17:01:45 2024 ShaneUpdateCDSNew CyMAC internal layout
[Jon, Shane] Internal layout of CyMAC has been updated (labeled image attached) to accommodate the replacement of the two ribbon cables. Looking down on the chassis from the front, and going from left to right, the new placement is as follows: BIO card, DAC adapter board, ADC adapter board, DAC card, ADC card. NOTE: As part of ADC-DAC loopback testing, we're disconnecting from the FROSTI readout chassis and using the cables to connect directly from ADC input channels to DAC output channels . Initial testing confirmed functionalility of all 32 ADC input channels and the first 8 DAC output channels.
Attachment 1: updated_cymac.jpeg
updated_cymac.jpeg
  108   Tue May 30 14:51:27 2023 PamellaUpdateFLIRNew 3D mask - Bigger triangles shapes.
[Pamella]
    Change the 3D mask
  • Started removing the old mask in the reflector.
  • Started cutting the new aluminum lid for the new 3D mask and assembling in the 3D mask.
  • Started doing the new cable connections for the light.
  • Started testing the resistance in the new cable connections. The multimeter show us 14.2 Ω.
  • Started attaching the mask with the light and the thermometer sensor.
  • Started assembling the 3D mask in the reflector.
  • Started the initial tests.
  • 2:00 pm: Started testing the new mask. Parameters: 1.4 V 0.1A and 27 C
  • 2:38 pm: Started taking snap. Final parameters:1.4 V 0.1A and Temperature: 39.9 C
  • Started doing some adjustments in the triangles shapes for the futures tests.
Attachment 1: AcquisitionImage(May-30-2023_14_38).jpg
AcquisitionImage(May-30-2023_14_38).jpg
Attachment 2: thumbnail_IMG-7303.jpg
thumbnail_IMG-7303.jpg
  172   Tue Jul 25 15:35:14 2023 ShaneUpdateElectronicsMore chassis moved
Finished basic assembly of binary input and output chassis today, and moved one to top shelf of work bench. The other is in corner of work bench (image attached). They are delicate, so please do not move them or place anything on top of them.
Attachment 1: IMG_8409.HEIC
  91   Wed May 3 19:03:47 2023 Julian,Pamella and CaoPhysicsVACModify vacuum asssembly and install RGA
[Pamella, Julian, Cao]
    Today we started re-configuring the vacuum chamber components.
    Particle count
  • 10:45 am : Starting the particle count in the clean room.
  • 11:13 am : Finished the particle count in the clean room.
  • Zone 3 :
    • 0.3 u: 2535
    • 0.5 u: 1413
    • 1.0 u: 789
  • Zone 4 :
    • 0.3 u: 457
    • 0.5 u: 290
    • 1.0 u: 207
      Starting the reconfiguration.
    • 11:21 am: Started removing up-to-air valve
    • 11:30 am: Finished removing up-to-air valve.
    • 11:33 am: Started removing calibrated Ar Leak and the elbow.
    • 11:35 am: Finished removing calibrated Ar Leak and started assembling the up-to-air valve.
    • 11:47 am: Finished assembling up-to-air valve.
    • 11:48 am: Started removing magnetron gauge.
    • 11:55 am: Finished removing magnetron gauge.
    • 11:57 am: Started installing the elbow and calibrated Ar Leak and started removing the RGA probe
    • 12:13 pm: Finished installing the elbow and calibrated Ar Leak.
    • 12:20 pm: Break for lunch.
    • 01:25 pm: Come back from lunch break.
    • 01:30 pm: Started removing RGA line.
    • 01:39 pm: Finished removing RGA line.
    • 01:39 pm: Started removing gate valve [RGA line] and finished removing gate valve.
    • 02:00 pm: Started installing gate valve in the new position.
    • 02:08 pm: Fished installing gate valve [RGA line].
    • 02:09 pm: Checked the screws in the elbow to gate valve. [RGA line].
    • 02:28 pm: Finished checking the screws in the elbow to gate valve [RGA line].
    • 02:29 pm: Started installing RGA line.
    • 02:39 pm: Finished installing RGA line.
    • 02:50 pm: Started installing magnetron gauge.(In this part we assembled gauge with the used gasket)
    • 03:02 pm: Finished installing magnetron gauge.
    • 03:04 pm: Started installing RGA probe [RGA line].
    • 03:13 pm: Finished installing RGA probe [RGA line].
    • 03:15 pm: Connected the cables to the magnetron gauge.
    • 03:20 pm: Started the testing in the vacuum chamber.
    • 04:30 pm: Started installing the RGA 200 and connected the cables (power cable and DB9 cable).
    • 04:52 pm: Finished installing the RGA 200 and connected the cables (power cable and DB9 cable).
    • 04:53 pm: Started testing the RGA connections. Logrus is able to recognize and connect to RGA unit. We are leaving the turbo pump on for a few hours before checking back for pressure readouts.
    • 05:00 pm : Starting the particle count in the clean room.
      1. Zone 3 :
        • 0.3 u: 2244
        • 0.5 u: 997
        • 1.0 u: 207
      2. Zone 4 :
        • 0.3 u: 2993
        • 0.5 u: 1579
        • 1.0 u: 498
    • 05:30 pm : Finished the particle count in the clean room.
    • 05:34 pm: Test pressure readout from the gauges.
      1. Channel 1 : 1.06E-5 mbar
      2. Channel 2 :8.89E-6 mbar
      3. Channel 3 :5.0E-4 mbar
    • 05:59 pm: Test pressure readout from the gauges.
      1. Channel 1: 9.09E-6 mbar
      2. Channel 2: 7.75E-6 mbar
      3. Channel 3: 5.0E-4 mbar
Attachment 1: vaccum_chamber_re-configuration.jpg
vaccum_chamber_re-configuration.jpg
  111   Wed May 31 16:18:41 2023 AidenSummaryGeneralMock FROSTI
Finished assembly on the Mock FROSTI so it is ready for the fit test at LIGO lab.
Attachment 1: IMG_4394.jpg
IMG_4394.jpg
  397   Mon Jul 8 12:26:10 2024 MichaelUpdateInterferometer SimulationsMinimizing Astigmatic Effects in the SRC of LIGO
This is the first look and analysis of the effects of astigmatism in the aLIGO optical layout which can lead to mode mismatch and therefore increased losses into higher order modes. Specifically I am currently looking at measuring the effect of changing the radii of curvature of the SRC mirrors https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qhIehqyNukg4g8S2fqfQZz83yr9aB76tEa6fn2J-TrM/edit?usp=sharing
  339   Sat Feb 24 08:53:38 2024 JonInfrastructureComputersMatlab upgraded to 2023b on Chimay
I upgraded Matlab on chimay to the latest stable release, 2023b. From some quick tests, it appears to be in working order. Let me know of any issues.
  496   Thu Jan 2 17:52:58 2025 LuisUpdateVACMR Testing Continuation

[Luis, Luke]

RGA Volume: T = 22°C, P = 2.10e-9 Torr
Main Volume: T = 21°C, P = 5.71e-9 Torr

Measurements of the current state of the vacuum systems were taken today, now that the system had reached UHV status, the results are attached bellow. The first plot overlays the data of the empty chamber taken on 12/16/24 before inserting the MR material, and the data of the system today, with the MR inside. The second plot displays the S/N Ratio of the system. The last plot displays the data of the system with the Ar leak open and closed. Notice that it is common for the Ar leak close data to fail due to the calculation of the gas flux per unit ion current, which is dependent on the Ar peak.

Attachment 1: 2024-12-16_PostBake2_ArO_overlay.png
2024-12-16_PostBake2_ArO_overlay.png
Attachment 2: 2025-1-2_MR-Bake1_ArO.png
2025-1-2_MR-Bake1_ArO.png
Attachment 3: 2025-1-2_MR-Bake1_ArC_overlay.png
2025-1-2_MR-Bake1_ArC_overlay.png
  490   Mon Dec 16 21:32:21 2024 LuisUpdateVACMR Testing

[Luis, Luke]

The MR material was placed in the vacuum chamber following standard procedures to ensure the vacuum remained as clean as possible. During this process, we only opened the main volume while keeping the gate valve between the two volumes closed to maintain the UHV in the RGA section.

An RGA scan was taken before this process, this will be used to compare the state of the vacuum with the sample inside to determine whether the MR material is vacuum compatible.

Attachment 1: IMG_6011.HEIC
  494   Sun Dec 22 20:43:35 2024 LuisUpdateVACMR Testing

[Luis, Luke]

RGA Volume: T = 23°C, P = 3.0e-9 Torr
Main Volume: T = 22°C, P = 9.90e-9 Torr

After letting the vacuum cool down for a couple days, we reattached the magnets and sensors, then we performed a RGA scan of the vacuum system, now containing the MR sample. The results are attached below. Something to notice is that we are technically not under UHV, though Luke and I believe the reading of the sensor is not completely accurate since it was still coming to a steady state, further test will be performed when the physics building is open again.

Attachment 1: 2024-12-13_PostBake2_ArO_Degas_overlay.png
2024-12-13_PostBake2_ArO_Degas_overlay.png
Attachment 2: 2024-12-22_MR-Bake1_ArO.png
2024-12-22_MR-Bake1_ArO.png
  467   Tue Nov 5 09:56:04 2024 Luis MartinUpdateClean & BakeMR Bake

[Luke, Luis]

On Friday, 11/1/24, the MR was unpackaged and cleaned under the flow bench. We noticed an ink stain on one of the corners of the material. After wiping it down with IPA and Vector Alpha wipes, the stain was removed. However, the material showed some wear.

After cleaning, we placed it in the bake station and applied a stainless steel baking protocol. On Tuesday, 11/4/24, the material was removed from the furnace and packaged in a static shielding bag. The MR was wrapped in Vector Alpha wipes.

  329   Mon Feb 19 14:40:21 2024 ShaneUpdateCDSMEDM screen for FROSTI temp readouts
Here's the latest draft of the MEDM screen for the FROSTI heating elements' temperature readouts. Note that the MEDM screen isn't actually this grainy, this just happens to be a photo of the lab monitor's screen off a phone.
Attachment 1: IMG_6094.jpeg
IMG_6094.jpeg
Attachment 2: IMG_6092.jpeg
IMG_6092.jpeg
  346   Thu Feb 29 17:16:48 2024 ShaneUpdateCDSMEDM screen for FROSTI T/P readouts
Here's the latest draft of the MEDM screen for the FROSTI temp and power readouts, now with a button linking to the c1msc file display. Size/color/label are all changeable, if adjustment is needed. Checked in execute mode as well, and it's working correctly. Also noticed that the MEDM file name has been changed to FROSTI.adl, which I'm noting here for future reference. Still in medm_sandbox directory.
Attachment 1: IMG_6259.jpeg
IMG_6259.jpeg
  593   Wed Jun 11 16:33:45 2025 PooyanUpdateComputersLuke's ray tracing hosting
  • Hosted Lukes model on Chimay. It's available at https://richardsonlab.ucr.edu/real-time-frosti
  • The sourcecode is at Github. It is clones at /var/www/html/real-time-frosti, and this is the block added to nginx config file at /etc/nginx/sites-available/default :

    location /real-time-frosti {

    root /var/www/html;
    index index.html index.htm index.php;
    }
  • Also added this line to the crontab, so the code will be checked for updated from the sourcecode every five minutes. 

    */5 * * * * cd /var/www/html/real-time-frosti/ && git pull 

  • TODO: Move the sourcecode from Github to git.ligo.org, and make the repository public. 
  334   Wed Feb 21 23:15:07 2024 MichaelUpdateInterferometer SimulationsLong Shoelaces 1 Layout Created in Gtrace and Fixed Ghosting in Beamsplitter
I have created the long shoelaces 1 layout for cosmic explorer using gtrace, a slight modification from the shoelaces 1 layout design. I also modified the simulation code slightly to remove ghosting effects in the beamsplitter. Originally the python code specified that the HR and AR sides of the beamsplitter both have the same transmission/reflection. I modified this to the ideal case of: Refl_AR = 0, Trans_AR = 1. I have attached two images below to show the before and after effect of this modification.
Attachment 1: long_shoelaces1_desmos.JPG
long_shoelaces1_desmos.JPG
Attachment 2: AR_side_with_reflection.PNG
AR_side_with_reflection.PNG
Attachment 3: AR_side_without_reflection.PNG
AR_side_without_reflection.PNG
  317   Tue Feb 6 22:40:25 2024 MichaelUpdateScripts/ProgramsLong Crab 1 Design Created In Gtrace
Worked on and completed the python code for the simulation of the Long Crab 1 layout for Cosmic Explorer basing off of Pooyan's original work with the Crab 1 layout. From here I'll look into creating the shoelaces layouts.
Attachment 1: Long_Crab1.png
Long_Crab1.png
Attachment 2: long_crab_1_desmos.PNG
long_crab_1_desmos.PNG
  476   Wed Nov 20 12:31:24 2024 LuisUpdateVACLeak test RGA Scan after vacuum repairs

[Luke, Luis]

After the gasket replacement performed on Monday (11/18/24) we let the vacuum pump down to UHV pressure for a couple days. Today (11/20/24) we measured the pressure to be 5.30*e^-9 with a temperature of 22C, and we performed a leak test and RGA Scan.

Here are the results:

Connection Leak rate (torr)
Reducing Cross - TP Left 4.5e-9 (lowish)
Reducing Cross - TP Right 6.0e-9 (lowish)

 

 

Attachment 1: 2024-11-20_PostBake1_ArO.png
2024-11-20_PostBake1_ArO.png
  474   Tue Nov 19 17:10:34 2024 Luke UpdateVACLeak check

Chamber temperature: 23C

Chamber Initial Pressure: ~1.8e-8 main, ~3.5e-8 rga

Did another leak test after monday's work to check how the seal was holding up initial leak was 5.5e-9. I then tried to tighten the bolts a bit more the leak rose to 1.9e-8 about a factor of 4 change.

I checked another flange to confirm that I was preforming the test properly. I measured the elbow to pressure sensor to be 2.2e-11 aproximatly what it was earlier in the month (1.9e-11). 

I ran another isolation test. It is still exponetial. Graph attached.

Thoughts:

I belive at this point that it is a knife edge issue when replacing the gasket I checked both flanges and the new gasket. The tp knife edge seemed perfectly fine, the gasket had very minor scratches, and the reducing cross had very small imperfections on its edge. 

We may want to try and use the liquid sealant or get annealed gaskets for 4.5"

Attachment 1: image.png
image.png
Attachment 2: IMG_5116.jpeg
IMG_5116.jpeg
Attachment 3: IMG_5117.jpeg
IMG_5117.jpeg
  462   Wed Oct 23 11:48:06 2024 Luis MartinUpdateVACLeak Test Results

[Luke, Luis, Mary, Ma]

On 10/22/24 Luke, Ma, Mary and myself ran a leak test, the results are displayed below. The overall pressure of the vacuum was 2.0e-8 and the temperature readings were 26C for the RGA and 25C for the main volume.

Connection Leak rate (torr)
Tee - RGA 9.4e-12 (very low)
Tee - Cal leak 1.58e-11 (very low)
Tee - ZLR (2.75"-4.5") 7.32e-12 (very low)
ZLR (2.75"-4.5") - Reducing Cross 6.9e-11   (low)
Cross - Elbow 2.34e-11 (very low)
Elbow - Pressure sensor 1.96e-11 (very low)
Cross - Turbo pump (small) 1.91e-9   (lowish)
Cross - Gate valve 1.66e-10 (very low)
Gate valve - Port 7.41e-10   (low)
Port - ZLR (6.0"-8") 2.93e-10   (low)
ZLR (6.0"-8") - Turbo pump (large) 6.15e-11 (very low)
Port - Pressure sensor 2.0e-11 (very low)
Port - Up to air valve 1.42e-11 (very low)
Port - Blank 1.27e-11 (very low)
Port - Feed through port 4.59e-12 (very low)
Lid - Curtain side 3.09e-11 (very low)
Lid - Wall side 4.26e-11 (very low)

 

 

  273   Mon Nov 20 20:45:16 2023 AidenUpdateVACLeak Test

[Aiden, Luis]

Tested every weld and flange to find leaks. Only found that the flange on the turbo pump and reducing nipple was still at 2e-9 torr on the leak. The chamber still rose in pressure when the two gate valves were closed but no noticeable leak could be found on the lid or welds.

  116   Tue Jun 6 16:15:09 2023 PeterUpdateVLC UpdateLaunch Optics for Visible Light Cavity
I assembled the first few components of the launch optics for the visible light cavity. Below is an image of the current table configuration, and the image is how the cavity will be oriented on the table.
Attachment 1: IMG-0882.jpg
IMG-0882.jpg
Attachment 2: IMG-0883.jpg
IMG-0883.jpg
  337   Fri Feb 23 15:01:48 2024 ShaneUpdateCDSLatest draft of MEDM screen for FROSTI readouts
Here's the latest draft of the MEDM screen for the FrOSTI temp and power readouts. Also, debugged the text readout boxes so they're now correctly reading out the live temperature and power values.
Attachment 1: IMG_6128.jpg
IMG_6128.jpg
Attachment 2: 23.jpg
23.jpg
  495   Mon Dec 23 14:33:36 2024 TylerUpdateTCSLatest RIN Measurement Results
Attached below are the measurements I took from the FROSTI from 12/18-12/22.
Attachment 1: Updated_ASD_plots.pdf
Updated_ASD_plots.pdf
Attachment 2: Dark_Noise_Thermal_ASD_plots.pdf
Dark_Noise_Thermal_ASD_plots.pdf
Attachment 3: DC_Voltages.pdf
DC_Voltages.pdf
Attachment 4: RP-2.jpg
RP-2.jpg
  62   Tue Apr 4 09:53:37 2023 PeterUpdateVLC UpdateLaser intensity/polarization drift measurements
The set up for the next round of beam characterization measurements has begun. The beam is initially passing through a half waveplate, is split at a polarizing beam splitter, and then stirring mirrors are used to properly aim the beam into photodiodes (not yet installed). This is the current configuration of the set up.
Attachment 1: initial_Intens_measure_set_up.jpg
initial_Intens_measure_set_up.jpg
  65   Thu Apr 6 10:20:43 2023 PeterUpdateVLC UpdateLaser intensity/polarization drift measurements
More optical components were added to the optical set up for laser intensity / polarization drift measurements. Both lenses and both PDs were added to the configuration, as seen in the image below. The beam is already well aligned into the center of both of PDs, and focused nicely by the lens. Both PD's take BNC connecting cables, and the Red Pitaya takes SMA connecting cables. Since we are currently without a BNC to SMA cable, and we do not want to cut, strip, and crimp what we have, then measurement process cannot proceed until we get the cables.
Attachment 1: Optical_Setup_4-6-23.jpg
Optical_Setup_4-6-23.jpg
  83   Fri Apr 28 11:21:01 2023 PeterUpdateVLC UpdateLaser intensity/polarization drift measurements
The Digi-key cables have arrived, and I have began implementing them in the intensity drift measurements. There was a slight problem initially in connecting the SMA to BNC cables from the photodiode to the red pitaya, since the red pitaya was way on the other side of the lab. Cao and I connected the red pitaya to a new ethernet cable that extended far enough for the red pitaya to sit comfortably on the breadboard with the optics. Right now the PDAs are not connected to the red pitaya. I have connected them to the oscilloscope in order to read out how much voltage they produce upon incidence of 532nm laser light. This was done in order to make sure that they do not surpass the limit of the red pitaya (+-1V). I have not acquired a value for the readout voltage of the PDAs since I had to go to class. I will gather this preliminary data soon.
Attachment 1: IMG-0183.jpg
IMG-0183.jpg
  102   Mon May 22 16:43:28 2023 PeterUpdateVLC ElectronicsLaser intensity/polarization drift measurements
In order to fully analyze the polarization data taken last Thursday, I needed to convert the signal output (which is in volts) to power (units of watts). I used the power meter to accomplish this. Keeping the exact same configuration of PD's and beam splitting, opened the red pitaya's oscilloscope package. I then took the power meter, and held it in front of the PD to measure the amount of Watts at each PD. I then wrote down the corresponding voltage being seen in the red pitaya. I took 5 sets of measurements for each PD to get experimental accuracy. I then used a simple y = mx + b fit to find out the constant m that converts the input wattage into voltage. For the s polarization, the conversion factor is 0.83. For the p polarization, the conversion factor is 1.12. I then used this data to plot polarization angle as a function of time, and the relative intensity drift as a function of time. The plots are shown below. The physical meaning of the polarization angle is shown in the unit circle diagram below, in which P is the total power.
Attachment 1: S-P_Polarization_Diagram.svg
S-P_Polarization_Diagram.svg
Attachment 2: Polar_angle_vs_time.png
Polar_angle_vs_time.png
Attachment 3: Rel_Intens_vs_time.png
Rel_Intens_vs_time.png
  107   Wed May 24 14:28:26 2023 PeterUpdateVLC ElectronicsLaser intensity/polarization drift measurements
I went in and took polarization drift data for 16 hours. The run started at 6:08pm and finished at 9:15am the next day. The four plots below are the same plots shown for the 2 hour collection and previous trials, except they extend to 16 hours. The only one that is different is the Power vs. Time graph. This is a graph of the actual incoming power of the laser (as opposed to the signal voltage that the PDA's output into the red pitaya). This was done using the calibration factors of the respective PDA's and as we can see, since there is a difference in the calibration factors between detectors, there is a difference in the power that's coupled into S and P polarization.
Attachment 1: Time_Series_Trial_7_16hrs.png
Time_Series_Trial_7_16hrs.png
Attachment 2: Power_vs_Time_16hrs.png
Power_vs_Time_16hrs.png
Attachment 3: Polar_angle_vs_time_16hrs.png
Polar_angle_vs_time_16hrs.png
Attachment 4: Rel_Intens_vs_time_16hrs.png
Rel_Intens_vs_time_16hrs.png
  21   Sat Feb 4 17:01:03 2023 PeterUpdateVLC ElectronicsLaser Data
Peter and Ryan took laser beam data. Configuration: 100mm focal length lens is ~100mm from lens. 150mm focal length lens is ~200mm from first lens. Beam waist is ~420mm from second lens. Beam waist is very small still. Had to input large amounts of error in data collection. Took width data successively at points near waist and at >= Rayleigh range. Plots are shown below. Key points: Took a while to figure out optimum configuration for lenses to be placed so that an accessible beam waist could be obtained. Beam waist is still very small. May need to do an ABCD calculation to see if there is anything bigger that can be obtained.
Attachment 1: OmegaX_M2_Fit_3.png
OmegaX_M2_Fit_3.png
Attachment 2: OmegaY_M2_Fit_3.png
OmegaY_M2_Fit_3.png
  46   Wed Mar 8 18:35:52 2023 PamellaUpdate Lab cleaning
Today Pamella finished cleaning of the cleanroom, starting with the HEPA vacuuming, mopping and clearing all floor with IPA wipes. Also Pamella and Julian finished cleaning of lab floor, starting with the HEPA vacuuming and mopping. Shane and Pamella wiped down every surfaces of the laser table, computer table and the table with the vacuum pieces inside the cleanroom. Shane, Peter, Tayler, Pamella and Julian then wiped down every surface of the laser table outside the cleanroom. We wiped the main tabletop as well as the legs and all parts for the table. We wiped the computer desk, the boxes, the cabinets and every part outside the cleanroom. For now we finished the lab cleaning.
  68   Tue Apr 11 17:56:15 2023 PamellaUpdateGeneralLab cleaning
Today Pamella and Julian finished cleaning of the cleanroom, starting with the HEPA vacuuming, mopping and clearing all floor with IPA wipes. Also we wiped down some surfaces of the blue table, computer table and the top of chamber.
  257   Wed Nov 8 17:55:49 2023 JonUpdateGeneralLab Clean-Up Day 1

[Jon, Tyler, Shane, Peter, Luis]

Today we completed the first phase of lab clean-up. Activities included:

  • CF/KF parts stored under the cleanroom table were removed and transferred to Physics 1129
  • Cleanroom workbench cleared, with all FROSTI hardware collected into one of the large SS bins
  • High surfaces outside the cleanroom (lights, table enclosure frames, rack, cabinets) wiped down with IPA wipes
  • Floor HEPA-vacuumed outside the cleanroom
  • Sticky mats changed throughout the lab

Tomorrow, we will complete turn-over of the cleanroom (HEPA vacuuming of floors, mopping of floors, IPA wiping of softwalls and work surfaces). Shane will post a forthcoming measurement of the cleanroom particulate levels, post-turnover.

  528   Tue Mar 4 03:05:42 2025 Xuesi MaUpdateELOGLOG

1424564097.243212 2025/02/26 00:14:39 UTC Time start

12V 2A right after start all 8 elements

1424564478.079428 2025/02/26 00:21:00 UTC Time stop

12V 1.8A right before stop all 8 elements

1424564832.211584 2025/02/26 00:26:54 UTC Time start

12V 1.9A right after start all 8 elements

1424565208.359935 2025/02/26 00:33:10 UTC Time stop

12V 1.8A right before stop all 8 elements

1424565573.565066 2025/02/26 00:39:15 UTC Time start

12V 1.8A right after start all 8 elements

1424565931.242394 2025/02/26 00:45:13 UTC Time stop

12V 1.7A right before stop all 8 elements

1424566292.67104 2025/02/26 00:51:14 UTC Time start

12V 1.8A right after start all 8 elements

1424566648.619952 2025/02/26 00:57:10 UTC Time stop

12V 1.7A right before stop all 8 elements

1424566996.312246 2025/02/26 01:02:58 UTC Time start

12V 1.8A right after start all 8 elements

1424567381.748943 2025/02/26 01:09:23 UTC Time stop

12V 1.7A right before stop all 8 elements

1424567756.528736 2025/02/26 01:15:38 UTC Time start

12V 1.7A right after start all 8 elements

0.2A right before start


spikes!?


1424643001.864687 2025/02/26 22:09:43 UTC

change c_0(VEXC0 & VCXC0) to 2V (why is it on 5V ?)


2025/02/26 22:18:51 UTC

Main chamber pressure:5.92e-9

RGA chamber pressure:1.98e-9


1424650528.240947 2025/02/27 00:15:10 UTC Time start (increase voltage)

24V 2.1A right after start all 8 elements


disconnect and reconnect (exc 1-4)(out 9-12) & (exc 5-8)(out 13-16)


2025/02/27 19:34:26 UTC

Main chamber pressure:1.34e-8

RGA chamber pressure:4.33e-9

Main chamber temp: 29

RGA chamber temp:29


2025/02/28 18:02:29 UTC

Main chamber pressure:1.05e-8

RGA chamber pressure:3.53e-9

Main chamber temp: 29

RGA chamber temp:30


1424801097.374902 2025/02/28 18:04:39 UTC Time stop

24V 1.8A right before stop all 8 elements

0.1A right after stop


1424827460.71372 2025/03/01 01:24:02 UTC Time start

24V 2.9A right after start all 8 elements

0.1A right before start


2025/03/01 01:25:34 UTC

Main chamber pressure:5.98e-9

RGA chamber pressure:2.06e-9

Main chamber temp:27

RGA chamber temp:27


2025/03/03 20:28:03 UTC

Main chamber pressure:7.8e-9

RGA chamber pressure:2.64e-9

Main chamber temp:27

RGA chamber temp:27

  182   Mon Jul 31 12:39:01 2023 ShaneUpdateElectronicsLED cable assemblies installed
Today I put together the two LED cable assemblies for the CyMAC and mounted them in the anti-aliasing and anti-imaging chassis.
Attachment 1: IMG_8514.jpeg
IMG_8514.jpeg
Attachment 2: IMG_8516.jpeg
IMG_8516.jpeg
  134   Tue Jun 27 14:04:42 2023 Sophia A. UpdateMeasuring Noise in InterferometerInterferometer set up and connection to red pitaya
Today we (Sophia and Tyler) constructed the set-up for the electrical noise calculation that I will be conducting this summer. I have included images of the setup below. Our system is effectively a green laser, that feeds into a type of polarizer, then into a beam splitter which sends the laser light down two arms into detectors. We started by connecting the detectors to an oscilloscope to determine whether the signal will exceed 1V, as the red pitaya (our planned data collection device) cannot receive signals with a higher voltage than 1V. We spent most of our time calibrating the oscilloscope and fine-tuning the set-up so that we would have approximately equal voltages in each arm of the interferometer. Once confirming that the output voltage would not meet or exceed 1V, we switched from an oscilloscope to the red pitaya for our measurements. Now that the system is set up, we will be able to run code in the red pitaya interface that will run an FFT on the signal, and then do noise analysis from there.
Attachment 1: IMG_6756.jpg
IMG_6756.jpg
Attachment 2: IMG_6754.jpg
IMG_6754.jpg
Attachment 3: IMG_6755.jpg
IMG_6755.jpg
  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
      87   Mon May 1 17:10:25 2023 Julian, CaoPhysicsVACInstalling Pirani gauge and RGA probe onto to vacuum chamber

    [Julian, Cao]

    • 03:00 pm: Particle count
      1. : Zone 3
        • 0.3 um: 498
        • 0.5 um: 124
        • 1 um: 124
      2. : Zone 4
        • 0.3 um: 748
        • 0.5 um: 457
        • 1 um: 374
    • 03:32 pm: Installing Pirani gauge onto pump line
    • 03:51 pm: Finish installing Pirani gauge, start installing RGA probe
    • 04:03 pm: Finish installing PRGA probe, start routing cable from gauge controller to Pirani gauge
    • 04:30 pm: All ethernet cables are routed and connected to gauge controllers
    • 04:48 pm: Power gauge controller up, all gauges are recognised and readout shows atmospheric pressure as expected (1000 mbar)
    • 04:51 pm: End-of-work particle count
      1. : Zone 3
        • 0.3 um: 1413
        • 0.5 um: 872
        • 1 um: 623
      2. : Zone 4
        • 0.3 um: 374
        • 0.5 um: 166
        • 1 um: 166
    We also closed all the valves so we can start testing vacuum pump down of isolated volume tomorrow.

    Attachment 1: PXL_20230501_225241491.jpg
    PXL_20230501_225241491.jpg
    Attachment 2: PXL_20230501_235854958.jpg
    PXL_20230501_235854958.jpg
    Attachment 3: PXL_20230501_234750795.MP.jpg
    PXL_20230501_234750795.MP.jpg
      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
      582   Mon May 26 23:24:33 2025 MichaelUpdateInterferometer SimulationsInitial Monte Carlo Simulations for Toroidal Mirrors Project
    I've run an initial Monte Carlo simulation for statistical comparison of toroidal mirrors for the dual FROSTI TCS case. Below is the link to the slides.

    slideshow

      571   Tue May 6 13:07:34 2025 MichaelUpdateInterferometer SimulationsInitial Convergence Plots for Toroidal Mirrors Project
    Attachment 1: Convergence_Plots_5_6_25.pdf
    Convergence_Plots_5_6_25.pdf
    Attachment 2: Convergence_Plots_5_6_25-1.pdf
    Convergence_Plots_5_6_25-1.pdf
    Attachment 3: aperture_num_points_convergence.png
    aperture_num_points_convergence.png
      373   Mon Jun 3 14:14:39 2024 TylerUpdateFLIRInitial CIT FROSTI Analysis
    [Tyler]

    Attached below are the initial results of the CIT FROSTI testing analysis.

    Attachment 1: CIT_FROSTI_Analysis_Group_Meeting-2.pdf
    CIT_FROSTI_Analysis_Group_Meeting-2.pdf
      323   Tue Feb 13 11:54:45 2024 TylerConfigurationFLIRIn-Air Optical Test Configuration

    Below is the proposed schematic for FROSTI optical testing, chosen so enough space is allotted for prototype assembly.

    Steps to be taken include:

    1. Reconstruct FLIR staging apparatus
    2. Move test mass stand-in to cleanroom
    3. Mark FLIR camera position on cleanroom optical table at correct distance
    4. Run ethernet cable into cleanroom
    5. Move FLIR aside to allow for more assembly space
    6. Upon assembly completion, reposition FLIR onto optical table again

    Tentative plan is to begin setup early next week.

    Attachment 1: In-air_optical_test_sketch.png
    In-air_optical_test_sketch.png
      349   Tue Mar 19 10:55:30 2024 TylerUpdateFLIRIn-Air Optical Test
    Below is an image I took using the FLIR just before leaving for the LVK meeting. The profile is roughly what we would expect (annular). Any distortions seen are likely from the screen not being completely parallel to the plane of the FroSTI (i.e. the screen slightly bends in various locations). Next step: In-vacuum test at CIT.
    Attachment 1: FroSTI_Thermal_Profile.png
    FroSTI_Thermal_Profile.png
    ELOG V3.1.3-7933898