Optical noise sources of low Earth orbiter links (A05)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239994235

In project A05, we investigate local noise sources for Next Generation Gravity Missions (NGGM). In the first funding period, we focused on the cross coupling of angular jitter to the laser interferometer readout, investigating coupling mechanisms and mitigation strategies. In the second funding period, we will focus on detailed investigations of the interferometry in an NGGM, comparing several possible optical layouts from which one will then be built in project B06. Besides classical manufacturing and dimensional constraints, the figure of merit in this comparison will for instance depend on TTL mitigation, but also on stray light coupling. Therefore, a second focus will be on the development and validation of methods for the description of clipped coherent stray beams and their propagation. Finally, the accuracy of all simulations is currently limited by the detailed knowledge of laser beam wavefront properties present in the experimental counterpart. Thus, we will develop, test and validate methods to improve the measurement accuracy of laser beams.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1128: Relativistic Geodesy and Gravimetry with Quantum Sensors - Modelling, Geo-Metrology and Future Technology (geo-Q)
• Applicant Institution: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Gerhard Heinzel; Dr. Gudrun Wanner