The MSTAR sensor (Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Ranging) is a new system for measuring absolute distance, capable of resolving the integer cycle ambiguity of standard interferometers, and making it possible to measure distance with subnanometer accuracy. The sensor uses a single laser in conjunction with fast phase modulators and low frequency detectors. We describe the design of the system - the principle of operation, the metrology source, beam-launching optics, and signal processing - and show results for target distances up to 1 meter. We then demonstrate how the system can be scaled to kilometer-scale distances and used for space-based applications.
This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars.
KEYWORDS: Nulling interferometry, Planets, Interferometers, Space operations, Mirrors, Robots, Control systems, Stars, Space telescopes, Interferometry
The last decade has seen great advances in interferometric nulling technology, propelled at first by the SIM and KECK
nulling programs and then by the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). In the infrared at N-band (using a CO2
laser at 10.6 micron wavelength) the first million to one nulls were reported on a KECK testbed in 2003. For TPF-I,
nulls needed to be both deep and broadband, and a suite of testbeds was designed and built to study all aspects of
achromatic nulling and system implementation, including formation flying technology. Also, observatory designs were
drawn up and studied against performance models. Modeling revealed that natural variations in the alignment and
control of the optical system produced an "instability noise" signal and this realization eventually led to a redesign of the
layout to a rectangular formation. The complexity of the early TPF-I spacecraft design was mitigated by the infusion of
ideas from Europe and produced the current X-Array design which utilizes simple reflectors to form the apertures
together with a stretched three dimensional formation geometry. This paper summarizes the main achievements of the
infrared nulling technology program including the development of adaptive nulling for broadband performance and the
demonstration of starlight suppression by 100 million to one.
Deep, stable starlight suppression is needed for the direct interferometric detection of Earth-like planets and
requires careful control of the intensity and phase of the beams that are being combined. We have
developed a novel compensator for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer based on a deformable
mirror to correct the intensity and phase at each wavelength across the bandwidth of 8 to 12 microns
wavelength. This paper will discuss the results of using the adaptive nuller to achieve deep broadband
nulling in the mid-IR.
This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer
(TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like
planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. The overall technology roadmap is presented and progress
with each of the testbeds is summarized.
Deep, stable starlight nulls are needed for the direct detection of Earth-like planets and require careful
control of the intensity and phase of the beams that are being combined. We have tested a novel
compensator based on a deformable mirror to correct the intensity and phase at each wavelength across the
bandwidth of 8 to 12 microns wavelength. This paper will cover the results of the adaptive nuller tests
performed in the mid-IR.
This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer
(TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like
planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. The overall technology roadmap is presented and progress
with each of the testbeds is summarized. The current interferometer architecture, design trades, and the viability
of possible reduced-scope mission concepts are also presented.
This paper reviews recent progress with technology being developed for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. TPF-I is in the early phase of its development. The science requirements of the mission are described along with the current design of the interferometer. The goals of the nulling and formation-flying testbeds are reviewed. Progress with TPF-I technology milestones are highlighted.
Deep, stable starlight nulls are needed for the direct detection of Earth-like planets and require careful control of the intensity and phases of the beams that are being combined. We are testing a novel compensator based on a deformable mirror to correct the intensity and phase at each wavelength and polarization across the nulling bandwidth. We have successfully demonstrated intensity and phase control using a deformable mirror across a 100nm wide band in the near-IR, and are in the process of conducting experiments in the mid-IR wavelengths. This paper covers the current results and in the mid-IR.
Deep, stable starlight nulls are needed for the direct detection of Earth-like planets and require careful control of the intensity and phases of the beams that are being combined. We are testing a novel compensator based on a deformable mirror to correct the intensity and phase at each wavelength and polarization across the nulling bandwidth. We have successfully demonstrated intensity and phase control using a deformable mirror across a 100nm wide band in the near-IR, and are in the process of building the phase 2 experiment operating at mid-IR wavelengths. This paper covers the results of our demonstration in the near-IR, as well as our current progress in the mid-IR.
KEYWORDS: Zerodur, Temperature metrology, Cryogenics, Mirrors, Interferometers, Interferometry, Laser sources, Precision measurement, James Webb Space Telescope, Temperature sensors
Three samples of Schott Zerodur were recently measured using Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Cryogenic Dilatometer Facility. The initial purpose of these tests was to provide precision CTE measurements to help correlate thermomechanical models with the actual performance of NASA's Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) TOM-1C testbed. A total of six Zerodur test samples, as well as the SIM testbed mirror were machined from the same block of glass. Thermal strain as a function of time, sample temperature, and cooling rate were measured over a temperature range of 270K to 310K. Presented in this paper is a discussion of the sample configuration, test facilities, test method, data analysis, test results, and future plans.
Linear thermal expansion measurements of nine samples of Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) electroceramic material were recently performed in support of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C) mission. The TPF-C mission is a visible light coronagraph designed to look at roughly 50 stars pre-selected as good candidates for possessing earth-like planets. Upon detection of an earth-like planet, TPF-C will analyze the visible-light signature of the planet's atmosphere for specific spectroscopic indicators that life may exist there. With this focus, the project's primary interest in PMN material is for use as a solid-state actuator for deformable mirrors or compensating optics. The nine test samples were machined from three distinct boules of PMN ceramic manufactured by Xinetics Inc. Thermal expansion measurements were performed in 2005 at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in their Cryogenic Dilatometer Facility. All measurements were performed in vacuum with sample temperature actively controlled over the range of 270K to 310K. Expansion and contraction of the test samples with temperature was measured using a JPL-developed interferometric system capable of sub-nanometer accuracy. Presented in this paper is a discussion of the sample configuration, test facilities, test method, data analysis, test results, and future plans.
Laser metrology systems are a key component of stellar interferometers, used to monitor path lengths and dimensions internal to the instrument. Most interferometers use 'relative' metrology, in which the integer number of wavelengths along the path is unknown, and the measurement of length is ambiguous. Changes in the path length can be measured relative to an initial calibration point, but interruption of the metrology beam at any time requires a re-calibration of the system.
The MSTAR sensor (Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Ranging) is a new system for measuring absolute distance, capable of resolving the integer cycle ambiguity of standard interferometers, and making it possible to measure distance with sub-nanometer accuracy. We describe the design of the system, show results for target distances up to 1 meter, and demonstrate how the system can be scaled to kilometer-scale distances. In recent experiments, we have used white light interferometry to augment the 'truth' measurements and validate the zero-point of the system.
MSTAR is a general-purpose tool for conveniently measuring length with much greater accuracy than was previously possible, and has a wide range of possible applications.
Deep, stable nulling of starlight requires careful control of the amplitudes and phases of the beams that are being combined. The detection of earth-like planets using the interferometer architectures currently being considered require that the electric field amplitudes are balanced at the level of ~ 0.1% and the phases are controlled at the level of 1 mrad (corresponding to ~ 1.5 nm for a wavelength of 10 microns). These conditions must be met simultaneously at all wavelengths across the science band and for both polarization states, imposing unrealistic tolerances on the symmetry between the optical beamtrains. Lay et. al. proposed the concept of a compensator that is inserted into the beamtrain, which can adaptively correct for the mismatches across the spectrum enabling deep nulls with realistic, imperfect optics. This proposed design uses a deformable mirror to adjust the amplitude and phase of the electric field that couples into the single-mode spatial filter. We have demonstrated amplitude and phase control at a single wavelength in the near-IR. We are preparing to demonstrate control with our deformable mirror actuator in the near-IR and in parallel are preparing a demonstration in the mid-IR where the compensator will be required to operate.
KEYWORDS: Cryogenics, James Webb Space Telescope, Interferometers, Electronics, Laser sources, Cryocoolers, Temperature metrology, Zerodur, Vibration isolation, Control systems
As part of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) materials working group, a novel cryogenic dilatometer was designed and built at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to help address stringent coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) knowledge requirements. Previously reported results and error analysis have estimated a CTE measurement accuracy for ULE of 1.7 ppb/K with a 20K thermal load and 0.1 ppb/K with a 280K thermal load. Presented here is a further discussion of the cryogenic dilatometer system and a description of recent work including system modifications and investigations.
The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) employs an aggressive coronagraph designed to obtain better than 1e-10 contrast inside the third Airy ring. Minute changes in low-order aberration content scatter significant light at this position. One implication is the requirement to control low-order aberrations induced by motion of the secondary mirror relative to the primary mirror; sub-nanometer relative positional stability is required. We propose a 6-beam laser truss to monitor the relative positions of the two mirrors. The truss is based on laser metrology developed for the Space Interferometry Mission.
Absolute metrology measures the actual distance between two optical fiducials. A number of methods have been employed, including pulsed time-of-flight, intensity-modulated optical beam, and two-color interferometry. The rms accuracy is currently limited to ~5 microns. Resolving the integer number of wavelengths requires a 1-sigma range accuracy of ~0.1 microns. Closing this gap has a large pay-off: the range (length measurement) accuracy can be increased substantially using the unambiguous optical phase.
The MSTAR sensor (Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Ranging) is a new system for measuring absolute distance, capable of resolving the integer cycle ambiguity of standard interferometers, and making it possible to measure distance with sub-nanometer accuracy. In this paper, we present recent experiments that use dispersed white light interferometry to independently validate the zero-point of the system. We also describe progress towards reducing the size of optics, and stabilizing the laser wavelength for operation over larger target ranges.
MSTAR is a general-purpose tool for conveniently measuring length with much greater accuracy than was previously possible, and has a wide range of possible applications.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be a 6-meter diameter segmented reflector that will be launched at room temperature and passively cooled to about 40 Kelvin at the L2 point. Because of the large thermal load, understanding the thermophysical properties of the mirror, secondary optics, and supporting structure materials is crucial to the design of an instrument that will provide diffraction limited performance at 2 microns. Once deployed, JWST will perform continuous science without wave front re-calibrations for durations ranging from one day to a month. Hence understanding of how small temperature fluctuations will impact the nanometric stability of the optical system through thermal expansion is required. As a result, the JWST materials testing team has designed and built a novel cryogenic dilatometer capable of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements of ULE accurate to ~ 1.6 and 0.1 ppb/K for a nominal CTE = 30 ppb/K and 20 and 280 K thermal loads, respectively. The dilatometer will be used to measure the CTE of samples from JWST primary mirror prototypes, local CTE variations from multiple locations on a prototype mirror, CTE variations from batch to batch of the same material, and thermal and mechanical creep measurements from room temperature down to 30 K.
The MSTAR sensor (Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Ranging) is a new system for measuring absolute distance, capable of resolving the integer cycle ambiguity of standard intrferometers, and making it possible to measure distance with sub-nanometer accuracy. The sensor uses a single laser in conjugation with fast phase modulators and low-frequency detectors. We describe the design of the system - the principle of operation, the metrology source, beam-launching optics, and signal processing - and show results for target distance up to 1 meter. We then demonstrate how the system can be scaled to kilometer-scale distances.
Deep, stable nulling of starlight requires careful control of the amplitudes and phases of the beams that are being combined. The detection of earth-like planets using the interferometer architectures currently being considered for the Terrestrial Planet Finder mission require that the E-field amplitudes are balanced at the level of ~ 0.1%, and the phases are controlled at the level of 1 mrad (corresponding to ~ 1.5 nm for a wavelength of 10 μm). These conditions must be met simultaneously at all wavelengths across the science band, and for both polarization states, imposing unrealistic
tolerances on the symmetry between the optical beamtrains. We introduce the concept of a compensator that is inserted into the beamtrain, which can adaptively correct for the mismatches across the spectrum, enabling deep nulls with realistic, imperfect optics. The design presented uses a deformable mirror to adjust the amplitude and phase of each beam as an arbitrary function of wavelength and polarization. A proof-of-concept experiment will be conducted at visible / near-IR wavelengths, followed by a system operating in the Mid-IR band.
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