Session HA: Gravitation
10:45 AM–11:57 AM, Friday, October 21, 2011
Room: Crystal Ballroom A
Chair: George Siopsis, University of Tennessee
Abstract ID: BAPS.2011.SES.HA.6
Abstract: HA.00006 : Telescope Spacer Design Investigations
11:45 AM–11:57 AM
Preview Abstract
MathJax On | Off 
Abstract
Authors:
Danila Korytov
(University of Florida)
Josep Sanjuan
(University of Florida)
Guido Mueller
(University of Florida)
Jeffrey Livas
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Alix Preston
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Petar Arsenovic
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Ruven Spannagel
(Institut fur Optische Systeme)
Space-based interferometric gravitational wave observatories will measure changes in the distance between free falling proof masses inside widely separated spacecraft with pm sensitivity. These observatories~will use fast telescopes to exchange laser beams. These telescopes are part of the probed optical distances and any length change in the gravitational wave band between secondary and primary can limit the sensitivity of the observatories. Furthermore, the large distance between and space constrains on the spacecraft require to use very fast telescopes with f-numbers approaching unity. These telescopes are very sensitive against any absolute length change which would reduce interferometer visibility and, ultimately, sensitivity. Our group has assembled a Silicon Carbide test structure and investigated its dimensional stability in the 10$^{-4}$ to 1Hz frequency band at different operating temperatures. We also measured the overall length change and started investigating asymmetric length changes during cool down which would lead to misalignments in the telescope
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2011.SES.HA.6