SINFONI was dismounted from UT4 on 20 December 2015 and upgraded during January 2016. The upgrade included a new pre-optics collimator, new J, H and K filters, a new baffle at the entrance focal plane, and new collimator mirrors. In addition, the membrane mirror of the MACAO adaptive optics system was replaced. SINFONI re-commenced routine observations at the end of January 2016.
Upgrade of SINFONI
Published: 28 Feb 2016
While at time of writing the performance of SINFONI is being assessed, at least the following improvements have been observed:
- A significant increase in the overall J-band throughput, especially towards shorter wavelengths
- Increased spectral resolution in all bands ranging from about 4 to 15%
- A spot of dead pixels which previously affected the centre of the field of view is now shifted to the edge of the field of view
- The vignetting of slit 32 at the top of the field of view is now much reduced.
Further information will be made available through the SINFONI news page.