4.17.09

Ran some preliminary control experiments using the new sensor and got some pretty good results. Here's the wavefront slope norm and associated control values using 5 modes and essentially the same gains as with the old sensor.

Not only is the control metric reduced substantially, but none of the actuators saturate. This is muy bueno since it means we can worry about reducing dynamic disturbances without automatically hitting saturation. I haven't aligned the optics yet to reduce the static bias like I was doing before, so I suspect that further messing with the alignment/relay lenses should be even more beneficial.

I ordered some lenses and other crap that I'll need to install the spare SLM we have as a disturbance generator. By next week I hope to have the thing installed and the experiment in its final configuration, even if we decide to use another DM instead. My goal is still to have the SLM working to actively screw up the beam by the end of the month. Then the real fun begins.

Even better, I got my tax refund today. lol tea parties...