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arXiv:1309.4828physics.ins-det

A reference-beam autocollimator with nanoradian sensitivity from mHz to kHz and dynamic range of 10^7

T. B. Arp, C. A. Hagedorn, S. Schlamminger, J. H. Gundlach

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Abstract

We describe an autocollimating optical angle sensor with a dynamic range of 9 mrad and nrad/sqrt(Hz) sensitivity at frequencies from 5 mHz to 3 kHz. This work improves the standard multi-slit autocollimator design by adding two optical components, a reference mirror and a condensing lens. This autocollimator makes a differential measurement between a reference mirror and a target mirror, suppressing common-mode noise sources. The condensing lens reduces optical aberrations, increases intensity, and improves image quality. To further improve the stability of the device at low frequencies the body of the autocollimator is designed to reduce temperature variations and their effects. A new data processing technique was developed in order to suppress the effects of imperfections in the CCD.

arXiv comments
Journal reference
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol.84, Issue 9 (2013)
DOI
doi:10.1063/1.4821653
Subjects
physics.ins-detInstrumentation and Detectors gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology physics.opticsOptics

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Discussed in comments3 threads

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    • One need not have something as expensive as Hubble to have such angle sensitivity. This instrument can resolve an angle change of < 0.3 millionths of a degree in one second. https://arxiv.org/abs/1309.4828 Disclaimer -- am an author. Edit: and this instrument, using the…

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