Frequency-stabilized He-Ne laser for WINDII interferometer calibration on board the UARS-NASA satellite
Abstract
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite is dedicated to the study of the earth's atmosphere, composition, and temperature. It carries several instruments. Among them, WINDII is a Michelson interferometer used to observe wind and temperature in the upper mesosphere and thermosphere. The onboard calibration of the interferometer requires a He-Ne laser of frequency stability of 10-9. To be used in the space environment, particular specifications have been met by a special design described here. Performances of the system are shown and analyzed.
- Publication:
-
Optical Engineering
- Pub Date:
- March 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.56094
- Bibcode:
- 1992OptEn..31..567T
- Keywords:
-
- Frequency Stability;
- Helium-Neon Lasers;
- Instrument Compensation;
- Michelson Interferometers;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (Uars);
- Airglow;
- Atmospheric Temperature;
- Calibrating;
- Nasa Space Programs;
- Visibility;
- Wind Velocity;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation