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Laser Frequency Stabilization for GRACE-IIThe GRACE mission monitors changes in the Earth's gravity field by measuring changes in the distance between spacecraft induced by that changing field. The distance variation is measured with a microwave ranging system with sub-micron accuracy. The ranging measurement accuracy is limited by the signal-to-noise ratio and by the frequency stability of the microwave signal referenced to an ultra-stable oscillator (USO). For GRACE-2 a laser ranging system is envisioned with accuracy better than the GRACE microwave ranging system. A laser ranging system easily provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio over the microwave system. Laser frequency stability better than the GRACE USO stability has been demonstrated in several laboratories using thermally stabilized optical cavities. We are developing a space-qualifiable optical cavity and associated optics and electronics for use on GRACE-2 to provide a stable frequency reference for the laser ranging system. Two breadboard units have been developed and tested for performance and ability to survive launch and orbit environments. A prototype unit is being designed using lessons learned from tests of the breadboard units.
Document ID
20100031713
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Folkner, W. M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
deVine, G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Klipstein, W. M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
McKenzie, K.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Shaddock, D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Spero, R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Thompson, R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Wuchenich, D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Yu, N.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Stephens, M.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Leitch, J.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Davis, M.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
deCino, J.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Pace, C.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Pierce, R.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
June 22, 2010
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Meeting Information
Meeting: Earth Science Technology Forum
Location: Arlington, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 22, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Earth gravity
laser ranging

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