1999MNRAS.303..783D

The extensive commissioning programme for the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer (SUSI) carried out in preparation for the commencement of scientific observations is described. The programme included the development of alignment techniques and procedures, the establishment of pointing solutions for each of the steerable input mirrors, the determination of baseline parameters to allow accurate tracking of the position of zero path difference between the input beams of starlight, and the evaluation and minimization of instrumental and seeing effects which influence the accuracy of angular determinations made with SUSI. A calibration technique to correct for residual seeing effects is described, and the first angular diameter measurement made with SUSI is included to demonstrate the initial performance of the instrument.