Software framework for the upcoming MMT Observatory primary mirror re-aluminization

J. Duane Gibson; Dusty Clark; Dallan Porter

doi:10.1117/12.2054778

18 July 2014 Software framework for the upcoming MMT Observatory primary mirror re-aluminization

J. Duane Gibson, Dusty Clark, Dallan Porter

Proceedings Volume 9152, Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy III; 91521K (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2054778
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2014, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Details of the software framework for the upcoming in-situ re-aluminization of the 6.5m MMT Observatory (MMTO) primary mirror are presented. This framework includes: 1) a centralized key-value store and data structure server for data exchange between software modules, 2) a newly developed hardware-software interface for faster data sampling and better hardware control, 3) automated control algorithms that are based upon empirical testing, modeling, and simulation of the aluminization process, 4) re-engineered graphical user interfaces (GUI’s) that use state-of-the-art web technologies, and 5) redundant relational databases for data logging. Redesign of the software framework has several objectives: 1) automated process control to provide more consistent and uniform mirror coatings, 2) optional manual control of the aluminization process, 3) modular design to allow flexibility in process control and software implementation, 4) faster data sampling and logging rates to better characterize the approximately 100-second aluminization event, and 5) synchronized “real-time” web application GUI’s to provide all users with exactly the same data. The framework has been implemented as four modules interconnected by a data store/server. The four modules are integrated into two Linux system services that start automatically at boot-time and remain running at all times. Performance of the software framework is assessed through extensive testing within 2.0 meter and smaller coating chambers at the Sunnyside Test Facility. The redesigned software framework helps ensure that a better performing and longer lasting coating will be achieved during the re-aluminization of the MMTO primary mirror.

Citation Download Citation

J. Duane Gibson, Dusty Clark, and Dallan Porter "Software framework for the upcoming MMT Observatory primary mirror re-aluminization", Proc. SPIE 9152, Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy III, 91521K (18 July 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2054778

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