Hannover 2016 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 16: Precision Measurements and Metrology IV (with A)

Q 16.4: Talk

Tuesday, March 1, 2016, 11:45–12:00, a310

The journey to noise reduced and ultra stable interferometers for high-precision metrology — •Katharina-Sophie Isleif, Oliver Gerberding, Moritz Mehmet, Michael Tröbs, Karsten Danzmann, and Gerhard Heinzel — Albert Einstein Institut, Institut für Gravitationsphysik, 30167 Hannover

Laser interferometry achieving pm/√Hz sensitivities in the mHz-frequency range is the key technology for satellite missions in the area of gravitational wave detection and geodesy, but it requires sophisticated interferometer layouts that suppress classical interferometer noise sources like scattered light, ghost beams, laser frequency noise and misalignments just by design. We present the recipe for a successful low-noise interferometer construction, starting with a digital design of the interferometer using the C++ library IfoCad, followed by an optimisation in which we are looking at the simulated interferometer data. Different optimisation parameters, like the overall interferometer architecture, the usage of wedged components and the correct positions, are discussed on the basis of two examples: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer used for the test mass readout in future geodesy missions via deep frequency modulation interferometry, and the 3-Backlink-Setup, an experiment for the laser interferometer space antenna (LISA). The interferometer construction combines the manufacture of a template, a thermally stable quasi-monolithic assembly of the components and a Coordinate Measuring Machine. We compare the simulation with a setup assembled by hand and an optimally designed interferometer.