Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer automated alignment system

Here is presented the current outline and progress of MROI's automated alignment system design. Depending on the location of each of MROI's unit telescopes (UT), light can travel distances ranging from 460 to 660 meters via several reflections that redirect the beam's path through the beam relay system (BRS), delay line system (DLS), beam compressing telescope (BCR), switchyards and finally to the beam combiners (BC). All of these sub-systems comprise three major optical axes of the MROI which must be coaligned on a nightly basis by the AAS. The AAS consists of four subsystems: the primary fiducial-for beam injection, the UT tilt and shear measurement components (TASM), the BC TASM components, and the secondary fiducial-for quick alignment checks. All of these subsystems contribute to the unique design of the AAS which will allow for simultaneous measurements from the visible to the near-IR wavelengths, full automation, the capability to perform optical path difference (OPD) alignment and spectral calibration, making it cost effective and saving on realty in the beam combining area (BCA). The AAS is nearing completion and assembly of the various subsystems is expected to commence soon. The latest results on all of the following are reviewed here.