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Preparation notes for the re-commissioning campaign (cryo run 92, NIKA2 80th; last update: 2026/03/20):
A complete report about the intervention of NIKA2+ for hardware adaptation to focus differences can be read here. In principle, array 1 was not touched during the NIKA2+ intervention. Similar focus corrections are expected for all three arrays.
- A new sweep, only for Ar3, was performed on 2026/03/19; see the final part of the previous link. Eventually (see Note below), we would proceed as usual: (i) point/focus with the old sweep (cryo run 91), (ii) get beam maps with the new sweep (cryo run 92), (iii) then observe with the old sweep until the new DAFs/Kidpars are ready (it usually takes few hours).
Note: if the new sweep is only for Ar3, we won't need to switch between new and old sweep, because Ar2 and Ar1 will be available for pointing and focus
A correction of parameters P2 and P7 of the pointing model of NIKA2 is provided on Monday 23/3/2026 (based on the round mean of the most recent pointing corrections: ΔAz. = 4", ΔEl. = 6"). Update: done.
- For re-commissioning tests/observations, NIKA2 account t22 should be used (~/pako/202503/).
- If the opportunity arises, observations from the NIKA2 pool could be continued, or even heterodyne pool programs if conditions are not favorable for useful observations with NIKA2. In both cases, the instructions for the current projects have been updated.
PIIC DAFs status
DAFs for cryo run 91 were installed on 2026/03/19 by Stefano Berta as default for PIIC at Pico Veleta. When setting up the PIIC environmental variables with gagpiic and starting PIIC, the environment variable $MOPSIC_DAFS points by default to /sw/gildas/mopsic/dafs.
Main Goals
- Preliminary verification of the system in the sky, obtaining the first pointing/focus corrections and quantifying the first focus deviations (hopefully small) between pairs of arrays.
- Determination of the optimal Z-axis focus position and study of the new focus surface for each array.
- Produce high-quality DAF/RPP and Kidpars.
- Produce new final NEFDs, in total power and polarization (if possible), and providing an estimate of the fraction of valid KIDs per array. Among other aspects, both are important for updating the NIKA2 Time Estimator.
Observation priorities
- Obtaining high-quality beam maps (at least 2) in total power/polarimetry.
- Getting calib_1scan maps on Uranus, Mars and secondary flux standards/QSOs (at different elevations, day/night) in total power/polarimetry + skydips.
- Once a couple of good beam maps on focus are obtained, getting de-focused beam maps, if possible: 5 focus positions, at least one beam map for each focus position.
- Getting a small deep field centered on a moderately bright source (few hours, say at least 5) in total power and polarimetry.
- Continuing with science observations corresponding to the pools in force, depending on weather conditions.