Opto/Mechanical Analysis for the Space Interferometry Project GAIA
Abstract
The baseline optical configuration proposed by Perryman & Lindegren for the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), was optically analysed and presented by Loiseau & Shacklan at the Cambridge Workshop on such a project. Since this configuration can be used in the case of a modulating grid for image location on the focal plane, we have improved it by optimizing with the ray-tracer CODE V only the edges instead of the full entrance pupil. We have obtained higher values for the visibilities of the fringes over the entire field of view (~0.45 deg radius). The field distorsion of the improved optical configuration is marginally larger but it can be calibrated. Other optical quality parameters such as spot diameters, Strehl ratio, optical path differences and visibilities are presented. An opto/mechanical analysis is also performed for this improved configuration to set tolerances of the optics. Such an analysis includes tilts around the three axis, decenters and pistons of all the mirrors of the interferometer and their figuring.
- Publication:
-
Hipparcos - Venice 1997
- Pub Date:
- August 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997ESASP.402..811C