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SPINOR Overview
David F. Elmore
Hector Socas-Navarro
High Altitude Observatory
National Center for Atmospheric Research
High Altitude Observatory (HAO) – National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
under sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
November 2005
Memorandum of Understanding
Covers transition from Advanced Stokes Polarimeter (ASP)
to the Spectro-Polarimeter for INfrared and Optical Regions
(SPINOR)
A research spectro-polarimeter will be available to NSO users
throughout the transition and capabilities increase during this
time
When complete the difficult to maintain ASP computers and
cameras will be completely replaced
Memorandum of Understanding
Next milestone: Deployment of Port 4 control that includes
automation of HSG grating angle
Final milestone: Completion of SPINOR control system
Virtual cameras following NSO interface specifications
Control system within DST control environment
Operation from ‘bridge’
Real-time and Stokes images on the ‘bridge’
Data storage in real-time to SAN
Fold Mirrors
Collimator
Camera Lenses
Grating
ASP?/EASP?/SPINOR?
ASP
All capabilities of the ASP available to users since 1991 are still in
place
EASP
ASP has been enhanced with polarization optics that extend the
wavelength range from 750nm to 900nm with silicon imagers
External polarimetric cameras can be synchronized allowing for
enhanced wavelength diversity
With approval by HAO a NIR/SWIR camera can be used that extends
the observation range to 1600nm
SPINOR
Eliminates the 1980s technology computers and cameras of the ASP
with a new control system and suite of cameras
Moves control from a stand alone instrument to the DST
“The list”
EASP Issues
DST observers have carefully and thoroughly documented significant
operational issues with the EASP that compromise its ability to
provide reliable science data
All of the current issues will be eliminated with the
completion of SPINOR
There are eight EASP synchronization issues that, I think,
have a common software root
Seven issues are maintenance and DST optical upgrade
related with two addressed at last observing run
Four issues fall into the category of ‘features’ since ASP is
coded using 1980s software and the DST network has
evolved. These will remain until SPINOR is complete
Assistance from NSO will be required to resolve data storage
scripts for EASP
Issues cont.
HAO plans to work with NSO before the next EASP
observing run
Prioritize the items in the list
Correct items that can be corrected in the current system
Further familiarize DST observers with EASP operations (use of
external polarimetric cameras)
About a week of after hours/cloudy time at the DST will be required
pau