Interferometry developments for LISA and SMART-2

Jennrich, O., McNamara, P., Robertson, D., Rowan, S., Ward, H. and Hough, J. (2002) Interferometry developments for LISA and SMART-2. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 19(7), 1731 -1737. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/19/7/368)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381/19/7/368

Abstract

A breadboard optical bench for SMART-2 has been designed and set up using preliminary optics and mounting techniques. A feature of the design is its relative insensitivity to laser frequency noise, achieved by closely matching the arm lengths of the main measurement interferometer. The design also introduces the use of an auxiliary unequal arm length interferometer to measure laser frequency fluctuations. Hydroxy-catalysis bonding has been investigated as a possible method for attaching optics of different materials to a low thermal expansion base plate. Bonds involving combinations of ULE, Zerodur and fused silica have been successfully tested for its reliability under vibration and thermal cycling. A phasemeter based on a programmable logic device has been developed. The phasemeter communicates through a standard PC bus and is software-controlled. The general principle of operation and its implementation are described. At a signal frequency of 10 kHz the phasemeter has been demonstrated to have a noise level of less than 10(-6) cycles Hz(-1/2) for frequencies down to I mHz.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Rowan, Professor Sheila and Hough, Professor James and Ward, Professor Henry and Robertson, Dr David
Authors: Jennrich, O., McNamara, P., Robertson, D., Rowan, S., Ward, H., and Hough, J.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Centre:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy > Institute for Gravitational Research
Journal Name:Classical and Quantum Gravity
ISSN:0264-9381
ISSN (Online):1361-6382

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