Design and Development of a Cryogenically Cooled High Resolution Interferometer
Abstract
The intent of the development called for under this contract is to produce a prototype liquid-helium cooled instrument, consisting of a cooled interferometer spectrometer, telescope, optical system and sensor, having a resolution of about two wave numbers and suitable for flight on vertical sounding rockets such as the Black Brant V for the purpose of making measurements of the spectral radiance of the airglow and aurora. Development, fabrication and testing of a prototype optical cube suitable for use at liquid helium temperatures and capable of surviving the environment of a rocket launch is described. A prototype interferometer was exposed to mechanical vibration at room temperature; the results of these tests are reported. The results of an experimental program to determine the feasibility of using a laser diode as a fringe reference source at liquid helium temperatures are cited. The preliminary design of a test dewar designed to permit both vibration and optical tests of the interferometer at cryogenic temperatures is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0903215
Entities
People
- Frank E. Ruccia
- Henry H. Blau Jr.
- Richard B. Hinckley
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little