Title
Absolute distance metrology for space interferometers
Author
Technisch Physische Dienst TNO - TH
Swinkels, B.L.
Latoui, A.
Bhattacharya, N.
Wielders, A.A.
Braat, J.J.M.
Contributor
Decker, J.E. (editor)
Peng, G.S. (editor)
Publication year
2005
Abstract
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.
Subject
Absolute distance metrology
Fabry-Pérot cavity
Laser stabilization
Lasers
Satellites
Standards
Interferometers
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e0657e35-c7d2-48fd-a047-e2f68cc7d34b
TNO identifier
239040
ISSN
0277-786X
Source
Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements III, 31 July - 1 August 2005, San Diego, CA, USA, 5879 (5879)
Bibliographical note
Ook gepresenteerd op: Optical Measurement Systems for Industrial Inspection IV, 13-17 June 2005, Munich, Germany
Document type
conference paper