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This document outlines the calibration process for a Distance Meter Interferometer (DMI) focused on achieving nanometre-level resolution. It highlights the design elements, including a titanium launch head matched with BK7 components, and discusses using mirrors versus retroreflectors for endpoint reflections. Calibration aims to correlate perceived with actual length changes through controlled experiments, ultimately influencing future DMI designs. The lab work involves laser safety training and hands-on experience with equipment including piezo drivers and signal readout systems.
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Piezo and retroflector calibration Understanding the details of interferometer performance
Starting point • We have a distance meter interferometer (DMI) design • We want to measure end point movements to the nanometre level • Nanometre resolution is routine in interferometry – The devil is in the details
DMI layout • Reminder of the interferometer schematic Launch head
Launch head prototype • Made from Titanium • close match: thermal expansion of BK7 glass • beam-splitter cube and right angle prism (reflector) are both made of BK7 To reflector at far end of DMI
End point reflector • For many experiments it can be simpler to use a mirror • Needs to be realigned after any adjustment to the launch head • Beam can be made to return along the same line using iris in the path • An alternative is a retro-reflector • Will not require adjustment, provided launch beam hits it "roughly" in the middle • Beam returns along parallel line but with a walk-off
Retroreflectors • Three flat surfaces • Mutually perpendicular • Incoming beam (x,y,z) • after 3 reflections • exits along (-x,-y,-z)
What does calibration mean? • We want to understand • how well a perceived change in length matches a real change in length • we need to predict expected interferometer performance • Controlled experiment • would induce deliberate changes in end point reflector • compare these with recorded "apparent" length changes from measurement • Prerequisite: Calibration • understanding the end point reflector • understanding the "induced movements"
Some thought is required... but not too much thought... • you can easily go round in circles • Basic steps: • induce mirror motions along interferometer axis with piezo voltage changes • measure change in interferometer phase at fixed frequency • this will set resolution limits on all other experiments
Advanced steps • Repeat experiment using retroreflector • Move retroreflector in tranverse axes too • Record effects on apparent length changes as function of transverse position • Compare results to mathematical model • Report on your findings and document the project • Influence the future design of our interferometers
Lab work • We will • explain laser safety and take you through departmental training • Show you laboratory equipment including: • stable laser and amplifier • piezo and piezo driving equipment • interferometer head and optics • how to handle fibres • how to read out signals using photodiodes and • data acquisition systems