Testing the GRACE follow-on triple mirror assembly
Date
2014
Authors
Fleddermann, Roland
Ward, Robert
Elliott, Megan
Wuchenich, Danielle
Gilles, F
Herding, M
Nicklaus, K
Brown, J
Burke, J
Dligatch, S
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Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Physics Publishing
Abstract
We report on the successful testing of the GRACE follow-on triple mirror assembly (TMA) prototype. This component serves to route the laser beam in a proposed follow-on mission to the Gravity Recovery and Climate Explorer (GRACE) mission, containing an optical instrument for space-based distance measurement between satellites. As part of this, the TMA has to meet a set of stringent requirements on both the optical and mechanical properties. The purpose of the TMA prototype testing is to establish the feasibility of the design, materials choice and fabrication techniques. Here we report on co-alignment testing of this device to the arc second (5 μrad) level and thermal alignment stability testing to 1 μrad K-1.
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Source
Classical and Quantum Gravity
Type
Journal article