VLT interferometer: preparation for first fringes

Philippe B. Gitton; Bertrand Koehler; Samuel A. Leveque; Andreas Glindemann

doi:10.1117/12.393918

2 August 2000 VLT interferometer: preparation for first fringes

Philippe B. Gitton, Bertrand Koehler, Samuel A. Leveque, Andreas Glindemann

Proceedings Volume 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393918
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

With its `first fringe' milestone planned within a year the VLT Interferometer (VLTI) has entered a phase where it becomes possible to have a preliminary validation of its system performance by combining results of tests obtained at sub-system level. This is also the time for a careful planning of integration and commissioning activities. After an overview of the system approach used in the course of the VLTI project to predict and control the system performance, we present the results of the last crucial tests done on the thermal behavior of the underground, air-filled Delay Line Tunnel. These results have enabled to validate the early assumptions made on the effects of internal air turbulence (so called `internal seeing'). Finally, the last section presents the basic approach to the integration and commissioning of the VLTI to start this year at Paranal.

Citation Download Citation

Philippe B. Gitton, Bertrand Koehler, Samuel A. Leveque, and Andreas Glindemann "VLT interferometer: preparation for first fringes", Proc. SPIE 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning, (2 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393918

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