The
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project required a method for
verifying that the segments of the primary mirror, which are folded for
launch,
will
align
to within
sub-wavelength tolerance upon deployment. The initial misalignment between
segments is much greater than the measurement range of a conventional
laser interferometer.
The multiple-wavelength PhaseCam MW Dynamic Laser Interferometer was
developed for this application. The much longer “synthetic” wavelength
generated by the instrument
is capable of measuring the initial misalignment. As the segments are
brought closer to alignment
the wavelength is stepped down for increasing resolution. |
Tel: +1 (520) 294-5600