Progress Towards Picometer Accuracy Laser Metrology for the Space Interferometry
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We describe the Metrology System for NASA's StarLight mission, a space-based separated-spacecraft stellar interferometer.
The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) relies on interferometry and metrology capable of measuring the change in the optical path difference with picometer accuracy.
This paper discusses the techniques for the reduction of cyclic errors in laser metrology gauges for the space interferometry mission.
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The Space Interferometry Mission, scheduled for launch in 2008, is an optical stellar interferometer with a 10 meter baseline capable of micro-arcsecond accuracy astrometry.
A common-path laser heterodyne interferometer capable of measuring the internal optical path difference (OPD) with accuracy of the order of 10 pm was demonstrated at JPL. To achieve this accuracy, the relative power received by the detector that is contributed by the scattering of light at the optical surfaces should be less than -97 dB. A method has been developed to estimate the cyclic error caused by the scattering of the optical surfaces. The result of the analysis is presented.
A common-path laser heterodyne interferometer capable of measuring the internal OPD with accuracy of the order of 10 picometers was demonstrated at JPL. To achieve this accuracy, the relative power received by the detector that is contributed by the scattering of light at the optical surfaces should be less than -97 dB. A method has been developed to estimate the cyclic error caused by the scattering of the optical surfaces. The result of the analysis is presented.
Picometer scale optical metrology specifications for the Space Interferometry Mission require precision calibration functions involving the optical and orientation characteristics of corner cube.
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We describe a high-precision inter-spacecraft metrology system designed for NASA 's StarLight mission, a space-based separated-spacecraft stellar interferometer. It consists of dual-target linear metrology, based on a heterodyne interferometer with carrier phase modulation, and angular metrology designed to sense the pointing of the laser beam and provides bearing information. The dual-target operation enables one metrology beam to sense displacement of two targets independently. We present the current design, breadboard implementation of the Metrology Subsystem in a stellar interferometer testbed and the present state of development of flight qualifiable subsystem components.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) requires fringe measurements to the level of picometers in order to produce astrometric data at the micro-arc-second level. To be more specific, it is necessary to measure both the position of the starlight central fringe and the change in the internal optical path of the interferometer to a few hundreds of picometers. The internal path is measured with a small heterodyne metrology beam, whereas the starlight fringe position is estimated with a CCD sampling a large concentric annular beam. One major challenge for SIM is to align the metrology beam with the starlight beam to keep the consistency between these two sensors at the system level while articulating the instrument optics over the field of view.