ID |
Date |
Author |
Type |
Category |
Subject |
8400
|
Wed Apr 3 14:45:34 2013 |
Jamie | Update | Computers | updated EPICS database (channels selected for saving) |
Quote: |
I modified /opt/rtcds/caltech/c1/chans/daq/C0EDCU.ini to include the C1:LSC-DegreeOfFreedom_TRIG_MON channels. These are the same channel that cause the LSC screen trigger indicators to light up.
I vaguely followed Koji's directions in elog 5991, although I didn't add new grecords, since these channels are already included in the .db file as a result of EpicsOut blocks in the simulink model. So really, I only did Step 2. I still need to restart the framebuilder, but locking (attempt at locking) is happening.
The idea here is that we should be able to search through this channel, and when we get a trigger, we can go back and plot useful signals (PDs, error signals, cotrol signals,....), and try to figure out why we're losing lock.
Rana tells me that this is similar to an old LockAcq script that would run DTT and get data.
EDIT: I restarted the daqd on the fb, and I now see the channel in dataviewer, but I can only get live data, no past data, even though it says that it is (16,float). Here's what Dataviewer is telling me:
Connecting to NDS Server fb (TCP port 8088)
Connecting.... done
read(); errno=0
LONG: DataRead = -1
No data found
read(); errno=9
read(); errno=9
T0=13-03-29-08-59-43; Length=432010 (s)
No data output.
|
I seem to be able to retrieve these channels ok from the past:
controls@pianosa:/opt/rtcds/caltech/c1/scripts 0$ tconvert 1049050000
Apr 03 2013 18:46:24 UTC
controls@pianosa:/opt/rtcds/caltech/c1/scripts 0$ ./general/getdata -s 1049050000 -d 10 --noplot C1:LSC-PRCL_TRIG_MON
Connecting to server fb:8088 ...
nds_logging_init: Entrynds_logging_init: Exit
fetching... 1049050000.0
Hit any key to exit:
controls@pianosa:/opt/rtcds/caltech/c1/scripts 0$
Maybe DTT just needed to be reloaded/restarted? |
8401
|
Wed Apr 3 14:46:17 2013 |
Gabriele | Summary | LSC | Error signal simulation in PRMI |
Here is a summary of a simulation of the error signal behavior in the PRMI configuration. The main parameters are:
L_PRC = 6.7538 m
Schnup = 0.0342 m
fmod1 = 11.065399e6 Hz
fmod2 = 5 * fmod1
 
These two plots shows the response of the POP22 and POP110 signals (in almost arbitrary units) to a PRCL sweep around the resonance. The splitting of the 55 sideband peaks is well visible in the second plot. It is due to the fact that the 55MHz sidebands are not perfectly matched to the PRC length
 
The same thing when sweeping MICH. The peaks are wider and it is not possible to see the splitting.
 
These are the error signals (REFL11_I/Q and REFL_55_I/Q) as a function of the PRCL (left) and MICH (right) sweep. Here the demodulation phases are not properly tuned. This is just to show that when the phase is wrong, you can get multiple zero crossings (in this case only in the Q signals, but in general also in I) close to resonance.
 
If the phases are tuned in order to maximize the slope of the I signals with respect to PRCL, one gets these "optimized phase" responses. It is that the phase does not correspond to the one that makes the PRCL peak to peak signal small in Q. The Q signals are indeed flat around resonance for a PRCL motion, but they deviate quite a lot from zero when moving more far from resonance. Moreover, both the REFL_55 error signals (I for PRCL and Q for MICH) are crossing again zero at two additional positions, but those are quite far from the resonance point.
 
These plots just show the PRCL and MICH error signals together with the POP22 and POP110 signals, to give an idea of the level of triggering that might be needed to be inside the linear range. It seems that if we trigger on POP22 when using the REFL55 signal we loose a bit of linear range, but not that much.
 
If you reached this point it means you're really interested in this topic, or maybe you have nothing better to do... However, this plot shows the effect of linearization of the error signal, obtained dividing them by the proper POP22/110 signal. The linear range is increased, but unfortunately for the 55 signals, the additional zero crossing I was mentioning before creates two sharp features. Those are however quite outside the triggering region, so they should not be harmful. |
Attachment 1: prmi_michsweep_pop22.png
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|
Attachment 2: prmi_michsweep_pop110.png
|
|
8402
|
Wed Apr 3 15:00:24 2013 |
Jamie | Summary | Electronics | Sorensen supplies in LSC rack (1Y2) |
I investigated the situation of the two Sorensen supplies in the LSC rack (1Y2). They are there solely to supply power to the LSC LO RF distribution box. One is +18 V and the other is +28 V. All we need to do is make a new longer cable with the appropriate plug on one end (see below), long enough to go from the bottom of the 1Y3 rack to the top of 1Y2, and we could move them over quickly. Some sort of non-standard circular socket connector is used on the distribution box:

It could probably use thicker conduction wire as well.
If someone else makes the cable I'll move everything over. |
8403
|
Wed Apr 3 16:03:59 2013 |
Chloe | Update | | QPD Voltage Regulators |
The voltage regulator on the QPD breadboard seems to be having problems... yesterday Eric helped me debug my circuit and discovered that the +12V regulator was overheating, so we replaced it. Today, I found that the -12V regulator was also doing the same thing, so I replaced it. However, it's still overheating. We checked all of the setup for the power regulators yesterday, so I'm not sure what's wrong.
I've also noticed that not all the connections on the breadboard that I've been using seem to work - I may search for a new breadboard in this case. Need to check I'm not doing something stupid with that. |
8404
|
Wed Apr 3 17:40:18 2013 |
Jamie | Configuration | Electronics | putting together a 110 MHz LSC demod board |
I started to look into putting together a 110 MHz demod board to be used as POP110 (see #8399).
We have five spare old-skool EuroCard demod boards (LIGO-D990511). From what I gather (see #4538, #4708) there are two modifications we do to these boards to make them ready for prime time:
- appropriate LP filter at PD RF input (U5 -> MC SCLF-*)
- swap out T1 transformer network with a commercial phase shifting power splitter (MC PQW/PSCQ)
#4538 also describes some other modifications but I'm not sure if those were actually implemented or not:
- removal of the attenuator/DC block/ERA-5 amp sections at the I/Q outputs
- swap ERA-5 amp with "Cougar"(?) amp at LO input.
What we'll need for a 110 demod:
I'll scrounge or order. |
8405
|
Wed Apr 3 18:22:00 2013 |
Jenne | Update | Electronics | POP110 re-implemented |
I have re-implemented POP110. The cable coming from the AS110 diode is disconnected, labeled, and sitting in the cable tray next to the LSC rack.
Now the POP diode path is:
Thorlabs 10CF ----many meters of heliax cable-----> Bias Tee ------> RF amplifier ------> Splitter ------> Bandpass 21.7MHz --------> POP22 demod board
| |
| |
V V
POP DC High pass 100MHz
|
|
V
Lowpass 150MHz
|
|
V
POP110 demod board |
8406
|
Wed Apr 3 18:27:03 2013 |
Koji | Update | | QPD Voltage Regulators |
Breadboards may not be suitable for a reliable work. Why don't you switch to any protoboard and real soldering? |
8407
|
Wed Apr 3 18:41:22 2013 |
Jamie | Configuration | Electronics | putting together a 110 MHz LSC demod board |
This SCPQ-150+, which is surface mount, might also work in place of the PSCQ-2-120, which is through-mount. Would need to be reconciled with the board layout. |
8408
|
Wed Apr 3 19:01:06 2013 |
Albert | Update | optical tables | Optical Table Toolboxes Update |
Quote: |
Quote: |
A heavy duty plastic box is the likeliest candidate for the optical table toolbox. It measures 5 9/16 in. x 11 5/8 in. x 4 5/8 in. and fits all the tools comfortably. ( http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastic-bin-boxes/=m4yh4m , under Heavy Duty Plastic Bin Boxes)
The list of tools has been updated to include a pen and a wire cutter as well as everything previously stated.
In addition, Steve has recommended that boxes should be secured to the walls or surfaces near the optical tables as opposed to the optical tables themselves, as to keep the tables from wobbling when tools are being exchanged.
A diagram of tentative box placements will go out soon.
|
No, the small boxes must be attached to the optical tables. They won't be heavy enough to change the table tilt.
Also, all tools must be color coded according to the optical table using the 3M Vinyl table color code:
http://www.3m.com/product/images/Vinyl-Electrical-Color-Tape-300.jpg
|
Ok.
So the new tentative plan on the boxes is to bolt them (magnetic strips were proposed but overruled on the grounds that they're not strong enough to withstand being knocked down by accidents).
The boxes are going to be a mix of the Thorlabs Benchtop Organizer (http://www.thorlabs.com/thorProduct.cfm?partNumber=BT17) and the original box. The box will have a region covered in mesh, so tools can be placed and held there. The box will also have a spacer at the bottom, with another mesh right above it, lined up. However, this double-mesh will only cover half of the box. The other half of the box will be compartmentalized to hold things such as screws, connectors, etc. I will talk to Steve about building the boxes.
Also, using nail-polish to coat the Allen wrenches is not going to work. Nail polish does not stick easily enough. The tentative new plan is oil paint, but this is to be reviewed.
Finally, the diagram with the placement of the boxes relative to the optical tables has been put on paper, but needs to be computerized so it's easier to read. This will be done as soon as possible. |
8409
|
Wed Apr 3 22:26:51 2013 |
rana | Configuration | Electronics | putting together a 110 MHz LSC demod board |
For the 110 MHz demod boards, we would ideally have a plugin bandpass filter. If you have some specs in mind, you can email mini-circuits or pulsar microwave about making a custom part; its not too expensive usually.
For the meantime, you should remove the onboard one and replace with a combination of low/high pass filters from Mini-Circuits. If you put a SLP-150 and a SHP-100 in series, the insertion loss should be less than 1 dB.
I think the ERA amps are OK for now, but they die with time, so they just need to be tested and replaced if necessary. |
8410
|
Wed Apr 3 23:22:20 2013 |
rana | Update | optical tables | Optical Table Toolboxes Update |
There are some tips for how to appy nail polish on YouTube from MKNails and MissJenFABULOUS. Their tips on how to prepare the site for a strong bonding strength are probably helpful for our gold/nickel coated tools. For chrome tools we may need to abrade the surface with a stone or fine sandpaper for it to take the layer better. IF the YouTube videos don't do it for you, then I suggest contacting Tom Evans at LLO to find out what kind of nail polish he uses. |
8411
|
Thu Apr 4 10:12:55 2013 |
Gabriele | Summary | LSC | POP22 and POP110 |
I had a look at the POP110 signal, with the PRMI flashing.
1) The LSCoffset script does not zero any more POP22_I_ERR offset. I did it by hand
2) The gain of POP22 is changed a lot, as well as the sign: now sidebands are resonant when POP22_I is negative
3) POP110 seems to deliver good signals. The plot attached shows that when we cross the sideband resonance, there is a clear splitting of the peak. If we rely on the simulations I posted in entry 8401, the full width at half height of the POP_22 peak is of the order of 5 nm. Using this as a calibration, we find a splitting of the order of 7 nm, which is not far from the simulated one (5 nm) |
Attachment 1: pop110_2.pdf
|
|
8412
|
Thu Apr 4 10:32:42 2013 |
Gabriele | Summary | LSC | REFL55 error signals |
The attached plot shows that also the behaviour of the REFL11 and 55 signals is qualitatively equal to the simulation outcome. |
Attachment 1: prmi_refl_signals.pdf
|
|
8413
|
Thu Apr 4 10:46:54 2013 |
Koji | Summary | LSC | REFL55 error signals |
Beautiful double peaks. I don't see the triple zero-crossings. Is this because you adjusted the phase correctly (as predicted)?
Don't you want to have a positive number for POP22? Should we set the demod phase in the configuration script for the positive POP22, shouldn't we? |
8414
|
Thu Apr 4 13:39:12 2013 |
Max Horton | Update | Summary Pages | Graph Limits |
Graph Limits: The limits on graphs have been problematic. They often reflect too large of a range of values, usually because of dropouts in data collection. Thus, they do not provide useful information because the important information is washed out by the large limits on the graph. For example, the graph below shows data over an unnecessarily large range, because of the dropout in the 300-1000Hz pressure values.

The limits on the graphs can be modified using the config file found in /40m-summary/share/c1_summary_page.ini. At the entry for the appropriate graph, change the amplitude-lim=y1,y2 line by setting y1 to the desired lower limit and y2 to the desired upper limit. For example, I changed the amplitude limits on the above graph to amplitude-lim=.001,1, and achieved the following graph.

The limits could be tightened further to improve clarity - this is easily done by modifying the config file. I modified the config file for all the 2D plots to improve the bounds. However, on some plots, I wasn't sure what bounds were appropriate or what range of values we were interested in, so I will have to ask someone to find out.
Next: I now want to fix all the funny little problems with the site, such as scroll bars appearing where they should not appear, and graphs only plotting until 6PM. In order to do this most effectively, I need to restructure the code and factor it into several files. Otherwise, the code will not only be much harder to edit, but will become more and more confusing as I add on to it, compounding the problems that we currently have (i.e. that this code isn't very well documented and nobody knows how it works). We need lots of specific documentation on what exactly is happening before too many changes are made. Take the config files, for example. Someone put a lot of work into them, but we need a README specifying which options are supported for which types of graphs, etc. So we are slowed down because I have to figure out what is going on before I make small changes.
To fix this, I will divide the code into three main sectors. The division of labor will be:
- Sector 1: Figure out what the user wants (i.e. read config files, create a ConfigParser, etc...)
- Sector 2: Process the data and generate the plots based on what the user wants
- Sector 3: Generate the HTML |
8415
|
Thu Apr 4 14:37:15 2013 |
Jamie | Configuration | Electronics | putting together a 110 MHz LSC demod board |
I'm having Steve order the following:
2x SXBP-100+
2x SCLF-135+
2x PSCQ-2-120+
If you want him to add anything to the order let him know ASAP. |
8416
|
Thu Apr 4 17:23:05 2013 |
Steve | Update | 40m Upgrading | ETMY optical table & enclosure is ready for optics |
Quote: |
Enclosure is at the east end. It has it's bottom o-ring in place. It will be ready for optics tomorrow around 5pm
I have to shim out the enclosure, finish leveling the table and cut surgical tubing O-ring for the top.
|
Glued surgical latex tubing with super glue into O-ring shape. The existing in place tubing K-100, OD 0.125" (actual size 0.140"), wall 0.031", ID 0.062".
I have just found out that tolerances on tubing OD are + - 0.026" by the manufacturer. I'm getting larger tubing for better fit.
The table is ready for optics.
Things left to do:
1, finalize o-ring size 2, finish cable feedthrough 3, finalize window connection 4, IR-Thermashield strips for bridge sides 5, replace bridge support post with solid one
|
8417
|
Fri Apr 5 01:18:34 2013 |
Manasa | Update | 40m Upgrading | Not a fan of the new plastic box yet |
Quote: |
Quote: |
Enclosure is at the east end. It has it's bottom o-ring in place. It will be ready for optics tomorrow around 5pm
I have to shim out the enclosure, finish leveling the table and cut surgical tubing O-ring for the top.
|
Glued surgical latex tubing with super glue into O-ring shape. The existing in place tubing K-100, OD 0.125" (actual size 0.140"), wall 0.031", ID 0.062".
I have just found out that tolerances on tubing OD are + - 0.026" by the manufacturer. I'm getting larger tubing for better fit.
The table is ready for optics.
Things left to do:
1, finalize o-ring size 2, finish cable feedthrough 3, finalize window connection 4, IR-Thermashield strips for bridge sides
|
While I did think that the plastic boxes were cool; I am not happy with the new enclosure on several aspects as I am setting up the TRY PDs/camera.
1. I strongly feel the o-rings should be glued/fixed to the plastic box atleast at some points. Even if we replace the current thin one with a thicker tubing, it takes forever to get the o-ring into the groove when it slips out. Also if it slips from the groove, it falls through the optical path and there are chances of burning the tubing when the NPRO is ON.
2. With the transparent tables, the cameras are sensitive to the room lights. I had to switch off the room lights/use ND filters to see a nice beam at the TRY camera.
3. The lids are heavy...might be a good way to train....but removing and putting them back will definitely increase the pain in getting the green aligned to the arms atleast until we have the PZTs set up. |
8418
|
Fri Apr 5 01:28:56 2013 |
Manasa | Update | 40m Upgrading | Endtable upgrade for auxiliary green laser : populating the table |
I started populating the end table; the TRY path to start with. I found that I need to redo the cables/electronics layout around the table as we have only one cable feedthrough hole with the new box right now. I need another hand with this and will have Annalisa help me tomorrow.
P.S. I misaligned PRM and restored ETMY to get TRY flashes. I tweaked ETMY to see strong TEM00 flashes.
Old slider positions on medm screen in case we need to restore them:
TT1 TT2 ITMY ETMY
P -1.3586 0.8443 0.9114 -3.7693
Y 0.3049 1.1507 -0.2823 -0.2761
|
8419
|
Sat Apr 6 09:21:36 2013 |
rana | Update | 40m Upgrading | Not a fan of the new plastic box yet |
1) We still need to drill and install the thumbscrew latches which secure the lids to the table. We cannot use the tables as an acoustic enclosure with loose lids.
2) For the camera issue, the idea is to put the longpass filters on the front of the cameras: then they are only sensitive to light with wavelength > 800 nm.
3) Whenever any interferometer work is happening the light switches must be in the positions which have been marked on them (and which most everyone ignores foolishly). We have never been insensitive to the room lights; the black table enclosures just give us a false sense of security. Room lights impact the interferometer noise. |
8420
|
Sun Apr 7 20:49:19 2013 |
Zach | Update | General | Restarted elog |
with the script, as it was down. |
8421
|
Mon Apr 8 08:05:41 2013 |
Steve | Update | PSL | PMC locked |
The PMC locked manually. MC grabbed lock instantaniously |
8422
|
Mon Apr 8 10:19:46 2013 |
Jenne | Update | PSL | LSC left enabled |
Note: The TRY PD isn't installed and normalized properly yet, so the IFO OVERVIEW screen indicates lock for the Yarm constantly, which is not true. Hopefully in the next day or so the screen will be back to telling the truth.
Also, the LSC Locking was left ENABLED (presumably over the weekend). This is not so good. It can kick optics around, so we should all take a look when we walk through the control room, and if no one is locking, please disable the LSC master switch. |
8423
|
Mon Apr 8 16:37:26 2013 |
Steve | Update | 40m Upgrading | ETMY enclosure wall transmission |
Enclosure cover #1 transmission measured in 1064 nm, 156 mW, P polarization and beam size ~ 1 mm
As condition: fully assembled, protective layer removed, tinted- adhesive activated on yellow acrylic on top of each other.
T = 1.2 % in 20 minutes exposure test. This agrees with the test measurement of 6-18-2012
There is a reflected 2-3 cm circular glare that is barely visible on sensor card. It is well below 1 mW level
As we are installing the NPRO with ~350 mW of power we have to address what additional shield should be installed.
The June 2012 test with 1W power burned through of the 3 layer IR coated films in 3-4 hours.
We 'll use Aluminum shields in the high power path till we come up with better solution. |
8424
|
Mon Apr 8 22:43:44 2013 |
rana | Update | PSL | MC locking troubles: MC/FSS servo unstable |
The MC seemed to be losing lock recently quite a bit. I noticed that the PC Drive RMS signal was red.
This means that the high frequency drive to the Pockels cell was too high by a factor of 2-3 and sometimes saturating and breaking the lock.
I fiddled with the gains on the FSS screen until this value went down. It looks like there is some kind of high Q oscillation; it takes a couple minutes for the PC Drive RMS to settle to its new position after changing the gains.
The attached trend plot show the last 2 hours. The mean is now back to ~1 V and seems OK. We should really examine the FSS or MC error point spectra with the RF analyzer while exploring this gain space. |
Attachment 1: Untitled.png
|
|
8425
|
Tue Apr 9 00:15:18 2013 |
Manasa | Update | 40m Upgrading | Endtable upgrade for auxiliary green laser : populating the table |
[Den, Annalisa, Manasa]
The Alberto laser was moved from the PSL table. The height of the heat sink rendered a beam height of only 3 inches. I did not want to deal with changing beam height at the table. So, we went ahead and used the old heat sink. I used the beam scan to make measurements of the beam width to match my mode-matching calculations and found some mismatch with the measurements done earlier. So I will measure the beam width again before alignment.
I will also have to change the layout because of the supporting posts that have come up with the new box. Annalisa is doing a COMSOL model to check what the thickness of these supporting posts should be so that the box stays stiff. |
8426
|
Tue Apr 9 00:32:39 2013 |
rana | Configuration | IOO | Turn on MCL |
Listening to the free swinging Y-arm, its clear that the fringe velocity is higher with the MCL path off, than on. I checked that the default gain of -300 was too high and changed it to -100 in the mcup script. With the higher gain value, there was clear gain peaking at just under 60 Hz (where the 60 Hz comb filter starts). We basically want the UGF to be between 20 and 60 Hz so that we can have the Bounce mode RG at 16.25 Hz and also the notch filter at 60 Hz.
Den is measuring and setting the UGF to be ~45 Hz.
With the MCL path on there is a high frequency horn-like noise in the Yarm when it locks. Its reduced a little by reducing the loop gain, but clearly this is just noise introduced by the MCL loop as Den noted before (and also tonight). He is cleaning up the whole MCL MEDM situation so that its useable by us. At the moment I've re-enabled it in the mcup.
My belief is that the frequency noise from the unstabilized MC is making the PRC locking harder. This will be investigated by tuning the shape of the MCL/MCF crossover so that we can turn it on without ruining the arm cavity spectra. Since the PRC length is ~2x smaller than the MC, we would expect it to be less sensitive to the MC frequency noise. But, since there is some common mode rejection in there, this may not be true. We'll only know by measuring PRC control signal with MCL on/off. |
8427
|
Tue Apr 9 00:32:57 2013 |
Manasa | Update | 40m Upgrading | Endtable upgrade for auxiliary green laser : TRY temporarily in place |
The TRY path on the end table is temporarily in place to help IFO locking.
The Y arm transmission was steered to get TRY back on the PD and the camera. I found that TRY is a couple of inches off in yaw at the end table (comparing to the CAD layout and the earlier layout) and I believe it is because of the changes in input pointing.
I've used a Y1 mirror to steer the Y transmission to an R98% BS. The reflected beam falls on PDA520 and the transmitted beam is steered to the camera. The earlier normalization of TRY is no more valid as the power distribution at the PD has changed. |
8428
|
Tue Apr 9 01:46:40 2013 |
Zach | Update | General | Restarted elog |
Again.
Quote: |
with the script, as it was down.
|
|
8429
|
Tue Apr 9 07:48:10 2013 |
Steve | Update | PSL | PMC locked |
Quote: |
The PMC locked manually. MC grabbed lock instantaniously
|
PMC locked |
Attachment 1: pmc10d.png
|
|
8430
|
Tue Apr 9 08:37:54 2013 |
Steve | Update | 40m Upgrading | Endtable upgrade for auxiliary green laser : TRY temporarily in place |
Quote: |
The TRY path on the end table is temporarily in place to help IFO locking.
The Y arm transmission was steered to get TRY back on the PD and the camera. I found that TRY is a couple of inches off in yaw at the end table (comparing to the CAD layout and the earlier layout) and I believe it is because of the changes in input pointing.
I've used a Y1 mirror to steer the Y transmission to an R98% BS. The reflected beam falls on PDA520 and the transmitted beam is steered to the camera. The earlier normalization of TRY is no more valid as the power distribution at the PD has changed.
|
Temporary acrylic wind guard added between enclosure and ETMY transmission window to help IFO locking |
8431
|
Tue Apr 9 14:55:13 2013 |
Jamie | Update | CDS | overbooked test points cause of DAQ problems |
Folks were complaining that they were getting zeros whenever they tried to open fast channels in DTT or Dataviewer. It turned out that the problem was that all available test points were in use in the c1lsc model:

There is a limit to how many test points can be open to a single model (in point of fact I think the limit is on the data rate from the model to the frame builder, not the actual number of open test points). In any event, they was all used up. The grid at the bottom right of the C1LSC GDS screen was all full of non-zeros, and the FE TRATE number was red, indicating that the data rate from this model had surpassed threshold.
The result of this overbooking is that any new test points just get zeros. This is a pretty dumb failure mode (ideally one would not be able to request the TP at all with an appropriate error message), but it is what it is. This usually means that there are too many dtt/dataviewers left with open connections.
We tried killing all the open processes that we could find that might be holding open test points, but that didn't seem to clear them up. Stuck open test points is another known problem. Referencing the solution in #6968 I opened the diag shell and killed all test points everywhere:
controls@pianosa:~ 0$ diag -l -z
Set new test FFT
NDS version = 12
supported capabilities: testing testpoints awg
diag> tp clear * *
test point cleared
diag> quit
EXIT KERNEL
controls@pianosa:~ 0$
|
8432
|
Tue Apr 9 21:27:48 2013 |
Jenne | Update | 40m Upgrading | TRY temporarily in place |
Quote: |
I've used a Y1 mirror to steer the Y transmission to an R98% BS. The reflected beam falls on PDA520 and the transmitted beam is steered to the camera. The earlier normalization of TRY is no more valid as the power distribution at the PD has changed.
|
To take this into account, last night, I reduced the TRY gain by a factor of 2. This is not exactly correct - when the layout is finalized we need to figure out what the pickoff situation used to be (we think, based on the Xend, that it could have been 0.5*0.9), and do the correct normalization. |
8433
|
Wed Apr 10 01:10:22 2013 |
Jenne | Update | Locking | Configure screen and scripts updated |
I have gone through the different individual degrees of freedom on the IFO_CONFIGURE screen (I haven't done anything to the full IFO yet), and updated the burt snapshot request files to include all of the trigger thresholds (the DoF triggers were there, but the FM triggers and the FM mask - which filter modules to trigger - were not). I also made all of the restore scripts (which does the burt restore for all those settings) the same. They were widely different, rather than just different optics chosen for misaligning and restoring.
Before doing any of this work, I moved the whole folder ..../caltech/c1/burt/c1ifoconfigure to ..../caltech/c1/burt/c1ifoconfigure_OLD_but_SAVE , so we can go back and look at the past settings, if we need to.
I also changed the "C1save{DoF}" scripts to ask for keyboard input, and then added them as options to the CONFIGURE screen. The keyboard input is so that people randomly pushing the buttons don't overwrite our saved burt files. Here's the secret: It asks if you are REALLY sure you want to save the configuration. If you are, type the word "really", then hit enter (as in yes, I am really sure). Any other answer, and the script will tell you that it is quitting without saving.
I have also removed the "PRM" option, since we really only want the "PRMsb" for almost all purposes.
Also, I removed access to the very, very old text file about how to lock from the screen. That information is now on the wiki: https://wiki-40m.ligo.caltech.edu/How_To/Lock_the_Interferometer
I have noted in the drop-down menus that the "align" functions are not yet working. I know that Den has gotten at least one of the arms' ASSes working today, so once those scripts are ready, we can call them from the configure screen.
Anyhow, the IFO_CONFIGURE screen should be back to being useful! |
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Wed Apr 10 03:59:41 2013 |
Den | Configuration | IOO | Turn on MCL |
Quote: |
My belief is that the frequency noise from the unstabilized MC is making the PRC locking harder. This will be investigated by tuning the shape of the MCL/MCF crossover so that we can turn it on without ruining the arm cavity spectra. Since the PRC length is ~2x smaller than the MC, we would expect it to be less sensitive to the MC frequency noise. But, since there is some common mode rejection in there, this may not be true. We'll only know by measuring PRC control signal with MCL on/off.
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I think if we make MCL UGF higher then 20 Hz, arm cavity spectra will feel it. It might be possible to use a combination of feedback and feedforward control from ground seismometers. I made MCL UGF at 3 Hz to reduce 1 Hz motion of the pendulum; feedforward OAF subtracted the stack at 3.3 Hz. Once OAF converged, I blocked adaptation and the filter became static FIR. MC length RMS was reduced by a factor of 10 and arm cavity spectra was not affected at frequencies >20 and became better at low frequencies. We'll see if this enough.
On the attached plot red color shows MC_F with MC_L OFF, blue - MC_L is ON, green - MC_L and OAF are ON.
Then I locked PRCL (using AS_Q and REFL55_I) to carrier and aligned the cavity. Power RIN was 50-70% and 00 beam on the POP camera was moving significantly. BS oplev was shaking the optics at 5 Hz. I fixed it, but there should be something else as RIN was still high. |
Attachment 1: MCL.pdf
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Wed Apr 10 07:37:33 2013 |
Steve | Update | PSL | PMC locked |
Quote: |
Quote: |
The PMC locked manually. MC grabbed lock instantaniously
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PMC locked
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PMC locked. |
Attachment 1: pmc4d.png
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Wed Apr 10 14:25:04 2013 |
Manasa | Update | 40m Upgrading | Endtable upgrade for auxiliary green laser : LWE Alberto laser beam profile |
I measured the beam profile of the Alberto laser (that will be the ETMY end laser) as I found the data inconsistent with the measurements done earlier.
Method
The laser was set to nominal current (ADJ =0) and the output measured 330mW. I used a 99% BS and measured the beam profile of the transmitted light at several points along propagation using Beamscan. I am attaching the data and matlab script for the fit for future reference.

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Attachment 2: beam_waist.zip
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Wed Apr 10 15:49:22 2013 |
Annalisa | Configuration | COMSOL Tips | Yend table eigenfrequency simulation with COMSOL |
I made a Simulation with COMSOL for the Yend table. Mainly, I tried to see how the lower eigenmode changes with the number and the size of the posts inside.
The lateral frame is just sitting on the table, it is fixed by its weight. I also put a couple of screws to fix it better, but the resulting eigenfrequency didn't change so much (less than 1 Hz).
In Fig. 1 I didn't put any post. Of course, the lowest eigenfrequency is very low (around 80 Hz).
Then I added 2 posts, one per side (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), with different diameter.
In some cases posts don't have a base, but they are fixed to the table only by a screw. It is just a condition to keep them fixed to the table
Eventually I put 4 posts, 2 per side.
The lowest eigenfrequency is always increasing.
At the end I also put a simulation for 4 1.6 inch diameter posts without base, and the eigenfrequency is slightly higher. I want to check it again, because I would expect that the configuration shown in Fig.5a could be more stable.
P.S.: All the post are stainless steel.
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Attachment 1: Pics_end_table.pdf
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Thu Apr 11 02:00:21 2013 |
Jenne | Update | Locking | TRY gone??? |
TRY signals are all gone! Both the PD and the camera show no signal. I went down there to turn off the lights, and look to see what was up, and I don't see any obvious things blocking the beam path on the table. However, Steve has experimentally bungeed the lids down, so I didn't open the box to really look to see what the story is.
Absent TRY, I redid the IFO alignment. Yarm locked, so I assumed it was close enough. I redid Xarm alignment pretty significantly. Transmission was ~0.5, which I got up to ~0.85 (which isn't too bad, since the PMC transmission is 0.74 instead of the usual 0.83). I then aligned MICH, and PRM. After fixing up the BS alignment, the POP beam wasn't hitting the POP PD in the center any more. I centered the beam on the PD, although as Gabriele pointed out to me a week or two ago, we really need to put a lens in front of POP, since the beam is so big. We're never getting the full beam when the cavity flashes, which is not so good.
Den is still working on locking, so I'll let him write the main locking report for the night.
We see that the PRC carrier lock seems to be more stable when we lock MICH with +1 for ITMY and -1 for ITMX, and PRCL with -1 for both ITMs. This indicates that we need to revisit the systematic problem with using the PRM oplev to balance the coils, since that oplev has a relatively wide opening angle. I am working on how to do this. |
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Thu Apr 11 02:49:18 2013 |
Den | Update | Locking | PRCL on carrier |
Jenne, Den
We suspect PRM shows significant length to angle coupling due to large oplev beam angle in yaw. Tonight we locked PRCL with ITMs.
We could lock PRCL on carrier to power recycling gain of 15. Lock continued for a few hours but power rin RMS was 0.15.
We triggered and normalized on POP_DC. MICH gain was -1 (filters FM3-5), PRCL gain was -8 (filters FM2,4,5,6,9).
MC_L was OFF during locking.
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Attachment 1: pop_rin.pdf
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Attachment 2: power.png
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Thu Apr 11 03:23:12 2013 |
Den | Update | General | MCL threshold |
MC down script is too slow to block MC_L when the cavity goes out of lock. As a result the loop strongly kicks MC2. We decided to make a threshold inside MCS model on MC TRANS that will block MC_L during lock loss. This is a lower threshold. Upper threshold can be slow and is implemented inside MC up script.
Fast threshold can be set inside MC2 POS. I did not correct MC2 top level medm screen as it is the same for all core optics.
Note: Fast trigger will also block ALS signal if MC loose lock. |
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Thu Apr 11 03:25:29 2013 |
Jenne | HowTo | SUS | Idea for how to properly balance SUS actuators |
We have calibrated the overall actuators of each suspension independent of the optical levers. So, we know how much we are
moving the optic in POS in real units as a result of the dither we inject for the lockin measurement. The amount the oplev beam
appears to move if there is only POS motion is
d/cos(theta)
where theta is the oplev's angle of incidence and d is the distance the optic has moved in POS. None of the of the steering mirrors in the
oplev path matter.
I propose that I will add an option in the lockin path to subtract away the apparent angle from the oplev output just before the signal
goes into the lockin module. Then we will be balancing the actuators based on only the actual angular motion.
The success of this technique depends on how well we know our actuator calibration and the oplev angle of incidence. This also
assumes that the oplev beam is centered on the optic, so we don't have beam displacement from A2L of the oplev beam, which then
makes another apparent angular motion. I suspect that we are close enough that we won't have to worry about this effect. |
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Thu Apr 11 03:38:40 2013 |
Den | Update | Locking | angular motion |
Spectra of BS, PRM, ITMX, ITMY are attached with oplevs ON and OFF (in units of urad). Loops reduce RMS from ~2urad to ~0.3urad but phase margin should be increased. REF traces show loop OFF. <-- really?
Note how PRM pitch and yaw spectra are different in the frequency range 0.5 - 7 Hz; yaw is factor of 50 larger then pitch at 2 Hz. |
Attachment 1: oplevs.pdf
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Thu Apr 11 10:15:55 2013 |
Steve | Update | Locking | PRM yaw oplev transferfunction |
See Feb 2012 PRM yaw transferfunctions, also check Valera's modified side sensor may effect yaw motion
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Thu Apr 11 11:58:21 2013 |
Jenne | Update | Computers | LSC whitening c-code ready |
The big hold-up with getting the LSC whitening triggering ready has been a problem with running the c-code on the front end models. That problem has now been solved (Thanks Alex!), so I can move forward.
The background:
We want the RFPD whitening filters to be OFF while in acquisition mode, but after we lock, we want to turn the analog whitening (and the digital compensation) ON. The difference between this and the other DoF and filter module triggers is that we must parse the input matrix to see which PD is being used for locking at that time. It is the c-code that parses this matrix that has been causing trouble. I have been testing this code on the c1tst.mdl, which runs on the Y-end computer. Every time I tried to compile and run the c1tst model, the entire Y-end computer would crash.
The solution:
Alex came over to look at things with Jamie and me. In the 2.5 version of the RCG (which we are still using), there is an optimization flag "-O3" in the make file. This optimization, while it can make models run a little faster, has been known in the past to cause problems. Here at the 40m, our make files had an if-statement, so that the c1pem model would compile using the "-O" optimization flag instead, so clearly we had seen the problem here before, probably when Masha was here and running the neural network code on the pem model. In the RCG 2.6 release, all models are compiled using the "-O" flag. We tried compiling the c1tst model with this "-O" optimization, and the model started and the computer is just fine. This solved the problem.
Since we are going to upgrade to RCG 2.6 in the near-ish future anyway, Alex changed our make files so that all models will now compile with the "-O" flag. We should monitor other models when we recompile them, to make sure none of them start running long with the different optimization.
The future:
Implement LSC whitening triggering! |
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Thu Apr 11 16:29:23 2013 |
Albert | Update | optical tables | Optical Table Toolboxes Update |
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There are some tips for how to appy nail polish on YouTube from MKNails and MissJenFABULOUS. Their tips on how to prepare the site for a strong bonding strength are probably helpful for our gold/nickel coated tools. For chrome tools we may need to abrade the surface with a stone or fine sandpaper for it to take the layer better. IF the YouTube videos don't do it for you, then I suggest contacting Tom Evans at LLO to find out what kind of nail polish he uses.
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This is the tentative box placement per optical table. The toolboxes are going to be color-coded by a combination of two colors (the order won't matter). The side of each toolbox will have a little panel to let you know which box corresponds to which set of colors.
On the diagram, the set of colors is simply the color of the box border and the color of the text.
If anyone has a problem with any of the colors or the box placement let me know before they are installed and become an annoyance:

Box Placements:
ETMY: Box will be attached to the underside of the table by magnets. The box will be on the north side of the optical table.
POY: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the west side of the optical table.
BSPRM: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the west side of the optical table.
AS: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the north side of the optical table.
PSL1: Box will be inside the optical table, in the northeast corner.
PSL2: Box will be inside the optical table, in the southwest corner.
POX: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the south side of the optical table.
MC2: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the south side of the optical table.
ETMX: Box will be attached to the side of the optical table by magnets. The box will be on the east side of the optical table. |
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Fri Apr 12 02:56:34 2013 |
Den | Update | Locking | prcl angular motion |
I compared PCRL and XARM angular motions by misaligning the cavities and measuring power RIN. Divergence angles for both cavities I calculated to be 100 urad.
XARM pointing noise sums from input steering TTs, PR2 and PR3 TTs, BS, ITMX, ETMY.
PRCL noise - from input TT, PRM, PR2 and PR3 TT, BS, ITMX, ITMY.
I would expect these noises to be the same as angular motion of different optics measured by oplves is simular. We do not have oplves on TT but they are present in both passes.
I measured RIN and converted to angle. Sharp 1 Hz resonance at XARM pointing spectrum is due to EMTX, it is not seen by PRCL. Other then that XARM is much quiter, especially at 3 - 30 Hz.
As PRM is the main difference in two passes, I checked its spectrum. When PRCL was locked I excited PRM in pitch and yaw. I could see this excitation at RIN only when the peak was 100 times higher then background seismic noise measured by oplev.

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Attachment 2: oplev_exc.pdf
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Fri Apr 12 09:20:32 2013 |
rana | Update | Locking | prcl angular motion |
How is the cavity g-factor accounted for in this calculation? |
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Fri Apr 12 10:33:42 2013 |
Charles | Summary | ISS | DC-Coupled ISS Servo Design |
General ISS Design
Signals through the ISS are directed as follows: an error signal is obtained by summing the ~5 V signal from the PD with a -5 V signal from a high precision voltage regulator (which is first filtered with an ~ 30 mHz low-pass Sallen-Key filter). It is this signal that is processed/amplified by the servo. The output from the servo is then used to drive an AOM (it is not known exactly how this is done and whether or not any preamplifier/extra circuitry is necessary). The resulting modulation, hopefully, reduces fluctuations in the laser intensity incident on the PD, lowering the relative intensity noise.
Servo Design
Almost the entirety of my focus has been directed toward designing the servo portion of the ISS. Speaking in general terms, the currently proposed design consists of stages of active op-amp filters, but now the stages will have internal switches that allow them to switch between ‘flat’ gain buffers and more complicated filters with our desired behavior. Consider some Example Filter Stages where I have demonstrated a typical switching filter with the switch open and closed. When the switch is closed, the capacitor is shorted and we simply have a variable gain buffer (variable in the sense that its gain can be tuned by proper choice of the resistances) with no frequency dependence. When the switch is open, the capacitor introduces a pole at ~100 Hz and a zero at ~1 kHz.
CircuitLab has decent analysis capabilities and attached are plots generated by CircuitLab. The first plot corresponds to a frequency analysis of the voltage gain of op-amp U1 and the ‘flat’ ~20 dBV gain filter with the switch closed and the capacitor shorted. The second plot is the same frequency analysis, but now with op-amp U2 and the filter with the switch open and the capacitor introduced into signal processing. This particular combination of resistors and capacitors produce a DC gain of 60 dBV, a pole at ~100 Hz, a zero at ~10 kHz and high frequency behavior of ~constant gain of 20 dBV. In this simulation, the gain-bandwidth product of the simulated op-amp (the standard op-amp CircuitLab uses) was artificially increased in order to see more ideal behavior in the higher frequency domain.
Switches like the above can be used to add boosts to some initial filter state (which could be like the above or possibly a simple integrator to achieve high DC gain) and change it into a more complex and more useful filter state advantageous for desired noise suppression. Cascades of these switching filters could be used to create very complicated transfer function behavior. No general servo has yet been designed as the exact details of the intensity noise requirements are still being determined.
With regards to the implementation of the switches, some ‘smart’ signal will be used to trigger a switch opening and the boost being introduced to the signal processing. The switches will be opened (open corresponds to adding the boost) in a manner that maintains stability of the servo circuit. Essentially, some sort of time delay or power monitor induced signal (power from the PD output) will be used to modify the servo's behavior.
AOM
How exactly the signal will drive the AOM for correct noise suppression is unknown currently.
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Attachment 1: Example_Switching_Filter_Transfer_Function_-_Switch_Closed.png
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Attachment 2: Example_Switching_Filter_Transfer_Function_-_Switch_Open.png
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Fri Apr 12 13:21:34 2013 |
Den | Update | Locking | prcl angular motion |
Quote: |
How is the cavity g-factor accounted for in this calculation?
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I assume that pointing noise and dc misalignment couples 00 to 01 by a factor theta / theta_cavity
Inside the cavity 01 is suppressed by 2/pi*F*sin(arccos(sqrt(g_cav))).
For the XARM this number is 116 taking g-factor to be 0.32. So all pointing noise couples to power RIN.
Suppression factor inside PRC is 6.5 for g-factor 0.97. This means that 85% of jitter couples to RIN, I accounted for this factor while converting RIN to angle.
I did not consider translational motion of the beam. But still PRC RIN can not be explained by oples readings as we can see exciting optics in pitch and yaw. I suspect this RIN is due to PR3, as it can create stronger motion in yaw than in pitch due to incident angle and translational motion of the mirror. I do not have a number yet. |