RASCAL IMAGES - Rascal Instrument

Here is the actual instrument with the cover removed. The basis for the instrument is an optical bench upon which all the optics and mechanics are mounted for stability. The laser is on the left side of the instrument. The path of the beam traces around the outside edges of the box, and you can follow it by noticing the beam turning mirrors. These mirrors allow us to align the laser upon the rotating wheel. You'll also notice on the right side of the image a small black box pointing at one of the mirrors. This is our start detector, which senses the laser beam firing from the scattering light off the turning mirror.

The scanning mirror is covered with a bent plexiglass cover. The motor the drives the wheel is the far left of the image, and the digital encoder is the cylindrical metalic colored component behind the wheel. You can also see the telescope which extends through the bench. The photo multiplier tube is at the top end of the telescope, and is what turns received light from the target into an electrical impulse response.

RASCAL instrument with protective covering removed

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