Absolute distance metrology for space interferometers
conference paper
Future space missions, among which the Darwin Space Interferometer, will consist of several free flying satellites. A complex metrology system is required to have all the components fly accurately in formation and have it operate as a single instrument. Our work focuses on a possible implementation of the sub-system that measures the absolute distance between two satellites with high accuracy. For Darwin the required accuracy is on the order of 70 micrometer over a distance of 250 meter. We are exploring a technique called frequency sweeping interferometry, which involves interferometrically measuring a phase difference while sweeping the wavelength of a tunable laser. This phase difference is directly proportional to the absolute distance. A very high finesse Fabry-Pérot cavity is used as a reference standard, to which the laser is locked at the end-points of the sweep. We will discuss our measurement scheme, our set-up and some first measurements.
Topics
TNO Identifier
239040
ISSN
0277786X
Source title
Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements III, 31 July - 1 August 2005, San Diego, CA, USA
Editor(s)
Decker, J.E.
Peng, G.S.
Peng, G.S.
Collation
6 p.