Stabilizing Optical Path Length On A Vibrating Structure

Abstract

Prototype apparatus constructed to test feasibility of feedback control concept for stabilization of length of optical path between two points on vibrating flexible structure. In original intended application, structure is truss having dimensions of order of meters and supports optical components of stellar interferometer. Interferometry and feedback control reduce path-length disturbances. Some aspects of present feedback control concept and prototype apparatus described in "Controllable Optical Delay Line for Stellar Interferometry" (NPO-18686), and "Test Bed for Control of Optical-Path Lengths" (NPO-18487).