Adaptive optical alignment in microgravity environments

Details Adaptive optical alignment in microgravity environments Adaptive optical alignment in microgravity environments

Jan 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997aipc..387..767o&link_type=abstract

Space technology and applications international forum (STAIF - 97). AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 387, pp. 767-772 (1997).

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Applications

Interferometers, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Artificial Earth Satellites, Dynamics And Conformational Changes

Scientific paper

Microgravity researchers use optical measurement techniques to study fluid samples undergoing crystallization, solidification, separation, mixing, and other processes. However, optical systems are often environmentally sensitive, and can be difficult to keep aligned in space. We have developed a system that autonomously maintains alignment with a software controller and electronic feedback loops that adjust optical components. The project goal was to develop mechanisms to stabilize optical beams under vibrationally noisy microgravity conditions. We constructed a testbed Mach-Zehnder interferometer system with automated systems that compensate for alignment shifts. We tested the system on the NASA KC-135 low-gravity simulation aircraft. We developed electronics to monitor and buffer high frequency vibrations, as well as mechanical systems to damp vibration and software systems to recalibrate alignment. We delivered a prototype adaptive self-aligning optical system capable of performing interferometric measurements under vibrational conditions of microgravity on KC-135 and space shuttle flights. This included design, construction and testing of a useful optical testbed, mechanical damping systems, specialized monitoring, feedback and controller electronics, and software realignment tools. We found that these systems could maintain alignment more quickly and efficiently than originally expected. We plan to apply these techniques to phase-shifting interferometry tailored to protein crystal growth studies.

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