In the meantime the NI payload has been cleaned and leveled and the mirror centered on the cradle (Fig.4).
Finally, an ear of the CP01 (new CP for WI) that had come off was reattached. The bond seems to have come out well but a stress/suspension test will need to be carried out in 7-10 days.
- SR02: old SR
- CP02: old NI CP
- CP04: new NI CP
- CP03: old WI CP
- CP01: new WI CP
- IM04: old NI
- IM03: new NI
- IM02: old WI
- IM01: new WI
ITF found in DOWN State and UPGRADING Mode.
All times are UTC.
07:35 DAC1955 on rtpc1 firmware update (Masserot).
08:00 - 10:14 INJ LAB activity (Spinicelli, Lagabbe).
09:24 INJ LAB AHU set to portata nominale (Operator).
10:16 INJ LAB AHU set back to portata ridotta (Operator).
14:17 Travasso, Vocca, and Benedetti ended the activity on the payload scheduled for today.
The plan goes on with the works concerning WI CP replacement in its mount and magnet HCB on the WI spare mirror under preparation.
The schedule has been very slightly modified crosschecking the manpower assignments. However, so far we can keep the overall targets.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bdeiGp0oN-vrfYkVavDI6cP8A_s3SUtA94C2hniH5JE/edit?gid=699595264#gid=699595264
In the meantime the NI payload has been cleaned and leveled and the mirror centered on the cradle (Fig.4).
Finally, an ear of the CP01 (new CP for WI) that had come off was reattached. The bond seems to have come out well but a stress/suspension test will need to be carried out in 7-10 days.
We first realigned the beam manually on the BPC QPDs and brought it back to its nominal setpoints. We then worked on the EIB balancing and successfully closed the loop.
From the control room, we attempted to lock the BPC, but the loop would not close. Investigations revealed that only one of the PZTs was actually responding. Further checks showed that some of the LEMO connectors on the box used to add the output resistance required for the low-pass filter had been damaged during resistance measurements performed a few weeks ago. Roberto repaired it, and all four PZTs are now responding normally.
However, the manual alignment performed in the morning had been carried out with incorrect PZT settings, leaving the beam significantly displaced from its nominal position. We will need to return to the laser lab tomorrow to repeat the manual alignment.
We also worked on the alignment of the IMC cavity. We managed to obtain flashes up to 5–6 W, but we have not yet relocked the cavity. This work will continue once the BPC loop is closed.
For the night, the PMC was left scanning (with a 1.5 V offset applied to its error signal), and the mirror at its output was flipped.
Work will resume tomorrow.
ITF DOWN in UPGRADING mode.
Activities communicated to the control room:
- 06:30 UTC Control Building air ducts (Soldani) In progress...
- 09:00 UTC - IMC relock preparation (Gosselin, Spinicelli, Lagabbe). ACS set in portata nominale.
- 11:45 UTC - IMC relock (Gosselin, Spinicelli, Lagabbe). ACS set again in portata ridotta.
- 09:00 UTC - Fallen mirror anchors debonding (Vocca, Travasso). In progress...
No laser hazard can propagate outside the Laser Lab and the Vacuum Chambers.
The Gate Valve between the PR and the BS is close and not laser hazard can propagate. The Gate Valve can not be opened without the authorization of the TSL.
The Main Laser can propagate up to the PR.
"reset boards -> configure -> data read out for 30-60 seconds"
loop for several hours.
We will leave the baffles taking data over the week extending the read out period to few hours.
On Monday, we will provide a short list of tests we would like to run in collaboration with people at EGO to test the reliability of the connexions before proceeding to the installation of the BafTowers, payloads, etc.
After the daily meeting I went in the central building to place some laser safety labels on the taped viewports of SIB1 PR and SPRB towers,
To be noted that since last week the viewport of SPRB used to extract the B4 phase camera beam has been tapped (first picture).
ITF found DOWN in UPGRADING mode
Activities communicated to the control room:
Laser safety panels placed on SIB1 tower, PR tower, SPRB tower (Gosselin)
TCS auxiliary lasers cooling system - work in progress (Ciardelli, Menzione)
LLab door troubleshooting - repair in progress (Marano)
The symptoms were that when launching the system, the first command sent to the IB failed. The command is related to the WiFi and arrives to the microcontroller through RS485. The command asks the IB to disconnect from WiFi as we are preparing the system to work through wired connection. Approximately 2 out of 3 times we tried this, the command failed. As we are in commissioning, we were doing full reboots.
The moments we were able to setup the system, we could set it to acquire data and the data made sense and no data was lost, apparently. While IFAE team was at EGO, we checked the external cables. On 21/06/2026, EGO team checked the internal cables (from the flange to the mid connector and the mid connector itself). The problem was still there. On 23/06/2026 EGO team reworked the mid connector. Due to a festivity in Catalunya we could not check this last change until 25/6/2026. We've left the system rebooting in a loop:
reset boards -> configure -> data read out for 30-60 seconds
The first 100 loops worked like a charm without errors. We continue to check the stability and doing the same test on the NI IB as well as checking the firmware for WiFi related problems.
We measured again the powers:
- at the input of the EOMs --> 43 W 09:27:45 (PMC TRA 0.53 V)
- after the 3 EOMs --> 41.6 W at 09:17:30 UTC (PMC TRA 0.53 V) --> 3% losses
- after M5 -- > 36.05 W at 09:51:25 UTC --> 16% losses
Optimization of the transmitted power
- tuning of the half waveplate at the input of the EOMs to maximize the power after M5--> we increased from 36.05 W to 37.45 W after M5
- tried to maximize again the power transmitted by IPC 1 --> no improvement
- small movements with BPL to see if we improve the transmission with the beam alignment in the EOMs --> with setpoints xset = -430 and the others to 0 we obtained 42.5 W after the EOMs at 12:21:45 (0.535 PMC TRA)
- zeroing of the corrections on PZT of LB M14 mirror (we moved the screw with loop closed to reduce the corrections of INJ BPL PZT LB M14H/V CORR) and recentering of the near field QPD to set the shift X from -300 to 0 (loop open and DC on we moved the h screw of the mirror just before BPL QN to bring INJ BPL X ERR from -300 to 0, and then changed the setpoint to 0 in the cfg file). Now all the setpoints are 0 and the corrections have been reduced to <1 V
We remeasured the input power and the power after the 3 EOMs getting 42.4/43.1 --> 2% losses in the 3 EOMs
power after M5 37.8 W --> 13% losses in the line EOMs + IPC + Faraday isolator
Since the biggest part of the losses occurr in the line IPC +Faraday we proceeded then measuring the power after M5 and better aligning the beam with the mirror just before the IPC. We also inspected the optics with a dentist's mirror and nothing strange was noticed
We got 39.3 W after M5. 39.3/43.1 (a second measurement of the power gave 38.3 W after M5, since it is slightly dependent on the beam impinging point on the calorimeter) --> 9-11% losses in the line EOMs + IPC + Faraday isolator
Characterization of the beam after M5 (to be compared with the last measurement done on the 4th of May 2026 #69064).
Beam profiler used: DataRay, power 4mW after M5 (reduced with IPC1) + filter OD 7, light in the LL switched off
| distance z from M5 [mm] | ellipticity | beam width [um] |
| 85 | 96% | 1340 |
| 140 | 97% | 1390 |
| 185 | 96% | 1420 |
| 235 | 96% | 1460 |
| 285 | 96% | 1510 |
| 335 | 94% | 1540 |
545 um (instead of 508 um on the 4th of May, to be checked the PMC TRA value) at z= -0.54 for M5
Realignment and calibration of EIB POUTto be checked
Set IPC1 back as before at 30W
nb: for the high power measurements we used the ophir calorimeter (avg 10s) with a diverging lens -30 mm in front of it (we do not have the serial number of the lens, maybe it is custom, but it seems to have an AR coating)
ITF found DOWN in UPGRADING mode with several loops opened due to the earthquake occurred in Venezuela (Mag 7.5).
planned activities communicated to the control room:
- TCS chiller at 1500W - 07:00 UTC - in progress... (Ciardelli, Zaza)
- EOM contamination checks - 08:00 UTC - in progress... (De Rossi, Lagabbe, Spinicelli)
- Ethernet cable installation from TCS room to CEB hall - 12:00 - 13:00 UTC - (Vacuum team)
Air Conditioning
In order to allow the activity in Laser Lab, at 08:00 UTC, I set UTA INJ in Portata Nominale, following the new procedure.
SBE
Benches loops recovered after the earthquake:
SDB1_ID, SIB2, SPRB_SBE, SWEB_SBE, SNEB_SBE, SDB2_SBE.
For SDB2 and SNEB I had also to recover the vertical positions via stepping motors.
SUSP
Suspensions loops recovered after the earthquake:
NE (ID and LC), WE (ID and LC), SR (ID and LC),
SUSP
(25-06-2026 07:00 - 25-06-2026 08:30) From remote
Status: Ended
Description: At 07:00 UTC I tried to close MC loops but the signals in all dof diverged, so I re-opened it and contacted Susp expert who fixed the problem.
To measure the losses in the chain containing the EOMs, the Faraday and the IPC1 on EIB, the power was measured with a calorimeter, preceded by a f=-50mm devergent lens (newport KBC043)
- Before the EOMs, the measured power was 32.6 W at 12:58:30 UTC.
- After the EIB_M5 mirror, the power was 24.0 W at 14:01:00 UTC
We tried to measure the power without the divergent lens,
- Before the EOMs, P=42.1 W at 14:13:50 UTC
- After EIB_M5, P=30.5 W at 13:02:45 UTC
In every measurements, the output voltage of the PMC_TRA photodiode was stable around 0.53 V. The BPL was closed. It appears that the presence of the lens changes the measurement by 25%, probably due to an absorption or an uncoaded surface or the variation of the beam size on the calorimeter. So we decided to use another lens f=-30mm.
- Before the EOMs: P= 42.8 W at ???
- After EIB_M5 P=30.1 W at 14:31:40 UTC
The estimated losses of the whole chain is 30%.
We recentered the beam on the BPL quadrant, with the PMC cavity locked, we closed and open the BPL loop, so the piezos are roughly at the position that send the beam into the EOM. Then we move the QN quadrant vertically until the Y signal is cancelled, and the QF until TX signal is cancelled. Then all the setpoints of the BPL are set to 0 urad and 0 um.
After that,we tried to rotate IPC1 while measuring the power after EIB_M5 in order to maximize the measured power. We managed to reach a power of 34.6 W, which corresponds to a 20% loss. Then we changed the horizontal shift setpoint (X_SET signal) in order to maximize the power measured by the calorimeter. By seting X_SET to -200 um, we reaached a 35.6 W power. Which correspond to a 16 % power loss. The others degrees of freedom remains untouched.
We measured again the powers:
- at the input of the EOMs --> 43 W 09:27:45 (PMC TRA 0.53 V)
- after the 3 EOMs --> 41.6 W at 09:17:30 UTC (PMC TRA 0.53 V) --> 3% losses
- after M5 -- > 36.05 W at 09:51:25 UTC --> 16% losses
Optimization of the transmitted power
- tuning of the half waveplate at the input of the EOMs to maximize the power after M5--> we increased from 36.05 W to 37.45 W after M5
- tried to maximize again the power transmitted by IPC 1 --> no improvement
- small movements with BPL to see if we improve the transmission with the beam alignment in the EOMs --> with setpoints xset = -430 and the others to 0 we obtained 42.5 W after the EOMs at 12:21:45 (0.535 PMC TRA)
- zeroing of the corrections on PZT of LB M14 mirror (we moved the screw with loop closed to reduce the corrections of INJ BPL PZT LB M14H/V CORR) and recentering of the near field QPD to set the shift X from -300 to 0 (loop open and DC on we moved the h screw of the mirror just before BPL QN to bring INJ BPL X ERR from -300 to 0, and then changed the setpoint to 0 in the cfg file). Now all the setpoints are 0 and the corrections have been reduced to <1 V
We remeasured the input power and the power after the 3 EOMs getting 42.4/43.1 --> 2% losses in the 3 EOMs
power after M5 37.8 W --> 13% losses in the line EOMs + IPC + Faraday isolator
Since the biggest part of the losses occurr in the line IPC +Faraday we proceeded then measuring the power after M5 and better aligning the beam with the mirror just before the IPC. We also inspected the optics with a dentist's mirror and nothing strange was noticed
We got 39.3 W after M5. 39.3/43.1 (a second measurement of the power gave 38.3 W after M5, since it is slightly dependent on the beam impinging point on the calorimeter) --> 9-11% losses in the line EOMs + IPC + Faraday isolator
Characterization of the beam after M5 (to be compared with the last measurement done on the 4th of May 2026 #69064).
Beam profiler used: DataRay, power 4mW after M5 (reduced with IPC1) + filter OD 7, light in the LL switched off
| distance z from M5 [mm] | ellipticity | beam width [um] |
| 85 | 96% | 1340 |
| 140 | 97% | 1390 |
| 185 | 96% | 1420 |
| 235 | 96% | 1460 |
| 285 | 96% | 1510 |
| 335 | 94% | 1540 |
545 um (instead of 508 um on the 4th of May, to be checked the PMC TRA value) at z= -0.54 for M5
Realignment and calibration of EIB POUTto be checked
Set IPC1 back as before at 30W
nb: for the high power measurements we used the ophir calorimeter (avg 10s) with a diverging lens -30 mm in front of it (we do not have the serial number of the lens, maybe it is custom, but it seems to have an AR coating)
Below the list of the activities communicated in control room:
- INJ: EOM contamination test;
Air Conditioning
from 12:40UTC to 15:40UTC I set the injection area air conditioning system in "Portata Nominale" to allow the work on EOM.
SBE
recovery of SWEB vertical correction with F1 step motors from 7:30UTC to 7:40UTC.
ITF found in DOWN State and UPGRADING Mode.
Below the list of the ativities commuincated in control room:
- cleaning operation of the experimental areas as part of the planned maintenance;
- check of the door of the Laser LAb (Lagabbe and External firm);
- WI baffle checks (69265)
ITF found in DOWN State and UPGRADING Mode.
All times are UTC.
Below the list of activities communicated to the Control Room:
08:10 - 08:56 Menzione, Gherardini, Gargiulo access in the WI Tower (#69262, #69263).
09:00 INJ AHU set to Portata Nominale under request of INJ team (operator).
13:36 Spinicelli and Nocera did measurements in INJ Lab.
14:53 INJ AHU set back to Portata Ridotta (operator).
Activity concluded at 08:56 UTC.
Fabio, Nicola and Julien are entering WI Tower.
Activity concluded at 08:56 UTC.
For the tests of the 50Hz harmonics subtraction using ACL, the following channels received by the INJ_rptc
- the ENV_CEB_ELECTRIC channel acquired at 10KHz
- the PSTAB_PDa_AC_MONIT channel acquired at 20KHz
- the PSTAB_PDa_DC channel acquired at 10KHz
have been transmitted to one of the Test rtpcs , ie rtpc17, by the INJ_Tpro server .
On the rtpc17, a Acl server called Acl17_INJ has been setup to readout these channels
Operations performed between 2026-06-22-07h07m48-UTC and 2026-06-22-07h15m04-UTC
ITF found in DOWN, UPGRADING
Activities and informations reported to the control room:
Cleaning of NI/WI towers and new baffle areas with nitrogen "top gun" and isopropyl alcohol (Menzione, Zaza)
ASC_DIFFp_T{X,Y} addition for RL control test (#69259 Masserot, Viret)
The ASC_Acl server configuration has been updated to transmit at 200Hz the ASC_DIFFp_T{X,Y} channels to the rtpc26 where some tests of the RL control are running:
- lines 1112 to 1118 related to the " Tolm packets to RL control running on rtpc26" part
operations peformed between 2026-06-19-12h19m22-UTC and 2026-06-19-12h57m46-UTC