title: Construction of rugged, ultrastable optical assemblies with optical component alignment at the few microradian level.
abstract: A method for constructing quasimonolithic, precision-aligned optical assemblies is presented. Hydroxide-catalysis bonding is used, adapted to allow optimization of component fine alignment prior to the bond setting. We demonstrate the technique by bonding a fused silica mirror substrate to a fused silica baseplate. In-plane component placement at the submicrometer level is achieved, resulting in angular control of a reflected laser beam at the sub-10-μrad level. Within the context of the LISA Pathfinder mission, the technique has been demonstrated as suitable for use in space-flight applications. It is expected that there will also be applications in a wide range of areas where accuracy, stability, and strength of optical assemblies are important.
authors: School of Physics and Astronomy, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), Institute for Gravitational Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK. Christian.Killow@glasgow.ac.uk
authors: Christian J
authors: CJ
authors: Killow
authors: Ewan D
authors: ED
authors: Fitzsimons
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Hough
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Perreur-Lloyd
authors: David I
authors: DI
authors: Robertson
authors: Sheila
authors: S
authors: Rowan
authors: Henry
authors: H
authors: Ward