Description: | During the time frame in question, there were several issues with the CAPS, including (i)
very dirty optics - due to a tear in the purge lines that are used to keep the mirrors
clean (ii) a significant reduction in S/N due to the dirty optics, (iii) which caused the
raw loss to go way up and the noise level in grounding issue that required a new power
supply. The latter issue necessitated removing the CAPS from the AOS to conduct several
tests in the support building.
So in summary:
Negative extinction is unrealistic and was due to very dirty mirrors and control software
issues.
Flatlining is due to the CAPS not being connected up because of troubleshooting.
Keep in mind that deployment of the CAPS at ENA was the first long term deployment of this
instrument. Following this 'birthing' period, the unit has run exceptionally well. |