Construction of New Laboratory for instruments of TAO 6.5m telescope

Designs of SWIMS (Simultaneous-color Wide-field Infrared Multi-object Spectrograph) and MIMIZUKU (Mid-Infrared Multi-mode Imager for gaZing at the UnKnown Universe) which will be installed on TAO 6.5m telescope started from 2009, and a detailed design was completed in 2010, and the development is now on going. Each component was delivered.

To complete the instruments, there are many steps, e.g., components assembly, vacuum cooling performance test, mechanical test such as distortion, development of detector readout system, and etc. Furthermore, as facilities to push forward the remote control of the TAO/miniTAO telescope and instruments, the new Laboratory was built by the north side of main building of IoA in the site of Mitaka campus. Although a delay of approximately one month was given under the influence of East Japan great earthquake disaster, the construction of the new laboratory was completed on the end of April.

▲ Outside view of new laboratory

▲ The right and left building are new laboratory and main building of Institute of Astronomy respectively.

The building is comprised of the following facilities. @Large laboratory (8m x 22m) : installed crane, telescope simulator and instrument transportation @precisely / minute laboratory (4m x 12m) @Remote control room (4m x 10m)

▲ Telescope simulator and Instrument transportation (Nishimura Factory). These are used for mechanical test of cryostat.

Construction

There were many events until complete the new laboratory during 5 months.

▲ The start of construction (16 December 2010)	▲ Foundation (28 December 2010)
▲ Steel frame construction (25 February 2011)	▲ Setting of the outer wall
▲ construction under snowing (7 March 2011)	▲ Interior decoration (9 March 2011)
▲ Check of damage due to great earthquake disaster (15 March 2011)	▲ Setting telescope simulator (15 April 2011)

Animation by fixed camera (Animation will be started by putting on mouse on picture.)