The Return of the Mid-infrared to the VLT: News from the VISIR Upgrade

The VLT mid-infrared imager and spectrometer VISIR returns to science operations following an extended upgrade period. Among the most important modifications are: the imaging and spectroscopic detectors have been replaced with larger AQUARIUS (1024 by 1024 pixel) detector arrays; the N-band low-resolution grating has been exchanged; and support is now provided for precipitable water vapour monitoring, in order to select the best observing conditions. The AQUARIUS detectors stem from a development for very low background applications which result in excess noise under ground-based conditions. A series of interventions was needed to find a scheme that effectively exploits these detectors for ground-based use, involving the implementation of faster chopping. VISIR has been returned to service at the VLT with enhanced capabilities

Ensuring the Reliability and Performance of Instrumentation at the Paranal Observatory

Instrumentation at the Paranal Observatory is currently composed of 18 scientific instruments (operational, in commissioning or on standby) and nine technical instruments (test camera, fringe trackers, adaptive optics modules, laser guide star facility, tip-tilt sensor). Over the 15 years since their first implementation and operation, enough information on their typical behaviour has been gathered to define a global plan for preventive maintenance and/or general refurbishment for each instrument in order to retain their reliability and performance. Several examples of monitoring of instrument performance are presented and reasons for failure are listed. We describe the range of activities undertaken to ensure efficient and reliable Paranal instrumentation