LRIS Upgrade
We propose to replace the LRIS-R (red) dewar (Tektronix 2048 x 2048 x 24µm pixel CCD, and SDSU Gen-1 controller) with a new UCO/Lick-built dewar, 1x2 mosaic of 2048 x 4096 x 15µm LBNL high-ρ CCDs, and “UCon” controller built by Lick. Software, including image display and exposure control GUI, will also be upgraded on the red and blue sides of LRIS. There are four areas in which we can realize significant gains in LRIS-R scientific productivity.
- Quantum efficiency. We can improve the LRIS-R throughput at all wavelengths and by up to 50% at the reddest wavelengths.
- Field size/slit length. LRIS-R is currently detector-limited in the spectral and spatial dimensions. The proposed new focal plane is larger by 25% in each dimension. We are updating a ZEMAX model of the camera/filter wheel/shutter to see exactly how much of this increase translates into increase slit length and spectral coverage.
- Fringing, flexure and sky subtraction. LRIS-R suffers from flexure at the level of around 5 (24µm) pixels peak-to-peak for 180 degree rotation. The current LRIS-R Tektronix CCD also has fringes in the red whose amplitude varies with spectral resolution and atmospheric conditions, but is typically about 10% peak-to-peak amplitude longward of 700nm. The combination of flexure and fringing makes it very difficult to correct for the fringing and to do proper sky subtraction in the affected regions. The high-ρ CCDs have thusfar unmeasureable fringe amplitudes.
- Readout time. The current Tektronix CCD requires 73 seconds for a full chip, unbinned readout. The proposed new CCD system will decrease this to ≤40 seconds.
Principal Investigator: Mike Bolte

APF - Automated Planet Finder (this site is restricted)
The discovery of Jupiter-like planets orbiting nearby stars began at Lick Observatory in 1995. These discoveries have spawned a race for the detection of lower mass planets more like our Earth. We propose to dramatically improve the world-renowned planet search at Lick Observatory by constructing the first dedicated Automated Planet Finder. This facility will consist of a 2.5-meter class automated telescope and enclosure, and a high-resolution spectrograph. It will permit detection of low-mass, Earth-like planets by targeting nearby stars and observing them every night for months.The dome is complete and the telescope will be installed in early 2007. To see the site, click here.
Principal Investigator: Steve Vogt

Lick Observatory 12-inch Telescope Refurbishing Project

The Lick Instrument and Optics Shops are engaged in efforts to refurbish the historic 12" refracting telescope. Installed in the dome which now houses the 40" Nickel telescope, the telescope utilized best-of-class optics made by famed lensmaker Alvan Clark. He considered the objective lens he made for the telescope to be one of the best he ever made. He and his sons went on the make the lenses for the 36" refractor, the largest in the world at that time.

First used by Lick astronomers to observe Mercury's transit of the Sun on November 7, 1881, the 12" was the main telescope on Mt. Hamilton as the great 36" refractor and its dome were being built. It has gone unused for many years, and it will now be restored as an important part of Lick Observatory's history.

HIRES - High Resolution Spectrograph
The high resolution spectrograph is currently the workhorse instrument on Keck-I. First light was successfully achieved in June of 1993.
Principal Investigator - Steve Vogt

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