4D dynamic laser interferometers thrive in environments that most interferometers simply cannot tolerate. Unlike traditional, phase-shifting interferometers, 4D dynamic laser interferometers acquire phase data instantaneously, so they can excel despite vibration, noise or air turbulence. 4D dynamic interferometers are equally at home in laboratories, manufacturing areas, clean rooms, environmental chambers, and other difficult environments.
A PhaseCam 4020 dynamic laser interferometer for alignment verification of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument for the future JWST mission. The 4D PhaseCam completed reference alignment and associated measurements despite the long optical path (>11m in double pass) and air turbulence due to constant, strong air flow in the cleanroom. Courtesy of RAL Space and the MIRI EC consortium.
This PhaseCam was able to measure the test sphere despite operating from a separate, slightly wobbly table. Turbulence and vibration from the portable fan were also non-issues.
This PhaseCam was elevated on a makeshift stand in order to mate with a vacuum chamber for a demonstration.
The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory Mirror Lab manufactures some of the largest telescope mirrors in the world. At the top of the Lab’s test tower, this PhaseCam is mounted in a Hexapod. Air turbulence in the tall tower is easily averaged out to provide the accurate data that guides mirror polishing.
4D laser interferometer systems are in use by major contractors throughout the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project. Here, a PhaseCam is used to measure the surface shape of one of JWST’s primary mirror segments in a custom-designed test station. Courtesy Tinsley Laboratories
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