Construction of rugged, ultrastable optical assemblies with optical component alignment at the few microradian level

Killow, C. J., Fitzsimons, E. D., Hough, J. , Perreur-Lloyd, M. , Robertson, D. I. , Rowan, S. and Ward, H. (2013) Construction of rugged, ultrastable optical assemblies with optical component alignment at the few microradian level. Applied Optics, 52(2), pp. 177-181. (doi: 10.1364/AO.52.000177) (PMID:23314633)

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Abstract

A method for constructing quasimonolithic, precision-aligned optical assemblies is presented. Hydroxide-catalysis bonding is used, adapted to allow optimization of component fine alignment prior to the bond setting. We demonstrate the technique by bonding a fused silica mirror substrate to a fused silica baseplate. In-plane component placement at the submicrometer level is achieved, resulting in angular control of a reflected laser beam at the sub-10-μrad level. Within the context of the LISA Pathfinder mission, the technique has been demonstrated as suitable for use in space-flight applications. It is expected that there will also be applications in a wide range of areas where accuracy, stability, and strength of optical assemblies are important.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This paper was published in Applied Optics and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.52.000177. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Robertson, Dr David and Ward, Professor Henry and Perreur-Lloyd, Mr Michael and Fitzsimons, Dr Ewan and Killow, Dr Christian and Rowan, Professor Sheila and Hough, Professor James
Authors: Killow, C. J., Fitzsimons, E. D., Hough, J., Perreur-Lloyd, M., Robertson, D. I., Rowan, S., and Ward, H.
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:Applied Optics
Publisher:Optical Society of America
ISSN:1559-128X
ISSN (Online):2155-3165
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 Optical Society of America
First Published:First published in Applied Optics 52(2):177-181
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
459311Investigations in Gravitational Radiation.Sheila RowanScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)PP/F001118/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
459313Investigations in Gravitational Radiation.Sheila RowanScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/J000361/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
390881Construction of Optical Bench Sub-Assembly for LISA PathfinderHenry WardParticle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)PP/D507258/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
499401Optical Bench Development for LISAHenry WardScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/H000356/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
499402Optical Bench Development for LISAHenry WardScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/H000364/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
568481LISA Pathfinder Optical Bench: completion and deliveryHenry WardScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/I00617X/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
586531LPF and LISA: developments towards spaceborne gravitational wave detection.Henry WardScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/J002208/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
638041LISA Pathfinder: pre-and post-launch supportHenry WardScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/L001756/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY