Both the data acquistion and analysis are done on a PC platform. The station is used to align the optical axes between the foil mirrors and the telescope housing. Two travelling microscopes are positioned on each side of a motorized axle, on which a telescope housing can be mounted. Viewing is through video monitors. The resolution is 0.01 mil.
Vibration isolation is provided by a massive granite platform.
The replication lab handles processes such as preparation and spraying of epoxy, sputtering of metal onto glass for replication, replication, curing, cleaning and others. Spray guns are mounted inside the ventilated booth, on motorized stages and platforms. Aluminum foils and gold-coated mandrels are positioned on the platforms for spraying. The processes is automated except for loading and unloading of epoxy, foils and mandrels. A hollow cathode sputtering system is used to coat metallic gold onto glass mandrels.