High-Performance Telescope System Design for Space-Based Gravitational Waves Detection
Space-based gravitational wave (GW) detection employs the Michelson interferometry principle to construct ultra-long baseline laser interferometers in space for detecting GW signals with a frequency band of 10<sup>−4</sup>–1 Hz. The spaceborne telescope, as a core component directly inte...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/22/7309 |
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| Summary: | Space-based gravitational wave (GW) detection employs the Michelson interferometry principle to construct ultra-long baseline laser interferometers in space for detecting GW signals with a frequency band of 10<sup>−4</sup>–1 Hz. The spaceborne telescope, as a core component directly integrated into the laser link, comes in various configurations, with the off-axis four-mirror design being the most prevalent. In this paper, we present a high-performance design based on this configuration, which exhibits a stable structure, ultra-low wavefront aberration, and high-level stray light suppression capabilities, effectively eliminating background noise. Also, a scientifically justified positioning of the entrance and exit pupils has been implemented, thereby paving adequate spatial provision for the integration of subsequent optical systems. The final design realizes a wavefront error of less than λ/500 in the science field of view, and after tolerance allocation and Monte Carlo analysis, a wavefront error of less than λ/30 can be achieved with a probability of 92%. The chief ray spot diagram dimensions are significantly small, indicating excellent control of pupil aberrations. Additionally, the tilt-to-length (TTL) noise and stray light meet the stringent requirements for space-based gravitational wave detection. The refined design presented in this paper proves to be a more fitting candidate for GW detection projects, offering more accurate and rational guidance. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-8220 |