THEMIS Prototype Imager initial field testing Prototype Station

THEMIS Prototype Imager [ initial field testing ]

Prototype Station Configuration • • Starlight Xpress MX 716 w/all-sky optics Linux Red Hat 9 w/MX 716 driver Image interval 5 sec; 1 -sec exposures Autonomous operation using NORSTAR, MIRACLE imaging code (1996 to present) • Web server provides real-time access • Network time protocol for accurate timing

THEMIS Prototype Camera

Proto-camera initial tests • • Athabasca Observatory 12 January 2003 Quarter Moon Image interval 5 s. 1 -s exposure time • Images from digital SLR also shown. 30 -sec exposures

Movie: January 12, 2003 doubleaurora 2. mov

Real-time Internet Tests • Network not yet installed at new observatory. Operated from roof of Athabasca U with camera in a U of Calgary portable “R 2 -D 2” enclosure, May 25 to present. Flawless operation • Imager data available, reliably, in real-time via the WWW

Movie: May 28, 2003 onset at 05: 54: 20 UT breakup. mov

Onset identification

Onset identification

Software • Open-Source Red Hat 9 w/ccd_kernel v 1. 7 • Linux USB driver works reliably when soundrelated drivers are disabled • Image transfer time (CCD to PC): 3. 5 s / image • 250 x 250 binned pixels, 16 bpp. 0. 7 deg/pix. • 2 km spatial resolution in zenith (100 km)

Imager issues • C-mount loose: excessive amount of play • Focusing problem. Not possible to go past best focus to ensure it is the best focus • Telecentric optics does not allow insertion of interference filter, only hot mirror • If hot mirror not sufficient to protect CCD, a mechanical shutter must be implemented

Imager issues • 30 mm dia hot mirror supplied by UCB • Mirror was ground down to 25. 4 mm and installed in camera.

Imager issues • Camera has been running since May 25 without any discernable damage to CCD • Spare CCDs have been obtained, “just in case” • Sony ICX 249 AL CCDs are on High Manufacturer Allocation – nevertheless we were able to procure spares ($200/each)

Sensitivity Issues • Field tests have shown that camera is suited for its intended purpose • Onset can be detected with 5 second resolution, in 1 -second exposures • Bright onset auroras quickly saturate the imager – may want to consider < 1 s exp. • Stars at visual magnitude 3. 3 are seen • Photon transfer analysis to be done • PSF to be measured and optimum binning chosen