Figure 3.
The Gemini South laser
propagates into the
southern sky during a
GeMS run in 2014
bringing GHOST to one of the Gemini telescopes in 2017, though which one has yet to
be determined.
Laser Guide Star Facility (LGSF)
Upgrade: Next Generation Laser
Guide Star for Gemini South
Given reliability issues experienced with the
existing laser guide star system at Gemini
South, Gemini is investigating procuring a
new laser. The current generation of laser
systems are much more reliable than our existing laser, which is difficult to maintain at
full power, making its use operationally both
costly and technically challenging.
GMOS: CCD Update at
Gemini North
With new red-sensitive Hamamatsu detectors
installed and commissioned in the Gemini
Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) at Gemini
South, and with the CCDs providing good
science data, it’s now Gemini North’s turn to
have its GMOS upgraded. The new Hamamatsu detectors should arrive at Gemini North in
early 2015. After assembling and testing the
new CCDs in the lab, we’ll be ready to install
them in July 2015, pending operational resources being available. Details and updates
are available here.
In early 2015, we will explore the feasibility
of integrating a current generation laser with
the rest of our laser guide star system. If this
integration is feasible and the new solution
meets our power, reliability, delivery time,
and cost requirements, we will strongly consider moving forward with procurement.
January 2015
GeminiFocus
17