P3.6 Orient the coronagraphs

• Phase : 3
• Status : Draft
• Category : Nighttime testing (functionality and operability) (C4)
• Recurrence : once at commissioning
• Duration : 40 minutes

Description

• Adjust the orientation of the coronagraphic masks with respect to the true orientation of M2 spider.

Prerequisites

• Atmospheric conditions: should be able to see bight stars on the sky (preferably close to zenith?).
• Authorize SHARK-NIR on the SX side.
• Suitable bright enough star close to zenith to have negligible effects from flexures (including the possibility of performing AO).

Procedure

• Pointing to a star, the first coronagraph is inserted in the path. The bearing is rotated maximizing the contrast achieved on the SCICAM. (use the pupil lens to see the pupils alignment maybe)?
• This operation is repeated for all the coronagraphs.

Success criteria

• All the coronograph are aligned to the true orientation of the M2 spider by maximizing the contrast at SCICAM.
• Note down the contrast achieved for all the coronograph including the atmospheric conditions and the brightness of the on-axis star.

Notes LBTO support

• Support from LBTI/LBTO?
• Presence of John Hill usually helps while collimating for the first time.
• Steve Allenson (as the TO) will be a great asset too.

Associated SHARK-NIR personnel

• JF, LM, MdP, MM (from AZ), DV?

Date performed and by whom