The facility is wired and plumbed for up to four lasers in any one experiment room. In addition, an automated laser safety interlock system is available for each laser in the facility. They may be mounted on the existing optical benches in these rooms. Potential laser users should be acquainted with several fundamental specifications necessary for the operation of equipment on Haleakala. The voltage breakdown strength of gaps and electrical leakage paths across insulators is reduced.
Corona is an electrical noise problem.
No detectable corona at sea level does not guarantee corona free operation at the Observatory. The Observatory has many very high-gain amplifiers following relatively unshielded detectors because of their optical access requirements. Therefore laser systems must be built with care to avoid emission of electrical radiation as well as noise on the power lines. These pulsed devices are particularly noisy when their electrodes are triggered, requiring special care with grounding. Acoustical noise is a potential health hazard in the relatively confined environment of the Observatory.