With all of the LINC-NIRVANA systems coming together, access to the integration lab must be shared by several activities simultaneously.

These activities currently include opt-imization of the SX (left side) warm optics (which were aligned earlier this year – see below), installation of the DX (right side) hardware, and cabling for both the science channel cryostat and the SX Ground-Layer Wavefront sensor.

The optimization activity requires darkened ambient conditions, and hence the team has erected a protective tent over the SX optics. This allows work on other areas to continue unimpeded.

Thomas Bertram (left) checks on the DX fold mirrors, while Tom Herbst (right) examines the output of the wavefront sensor on the darkened SX side.

Luca Marafatto intent in tent.