Spatially resolved photodiode response for simulating precise interferometers

Quadrant photodiodes (QPDs) are used in laser interferometry systems to simultaneously detect longitudinal displacement of test masses and angular misalignment between the two interfering beams. The latter is achieved by means of the differential wavefront sensing (DWS) technique, which provides ult...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied optics (2004) 2016-08, Vol.55 (24), p.6688-6693
Main Authors: Fernández Barranco, Germán, Tröbs, Michael, Müller, Vitali, Gerberding, Oliver, Seifert, Frank, Heinzel, Gerhard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beams (radiation)
Computer programs
Crosstalk
Devices
Displacement
Interferometers
Photodiodes
Simulation
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Summary:Quadrant photodiodes (QPDs) are used in laser interferometry systems to simultaneously detect longitudinal displacement of test masses and angular misalignment between the two interfering beams. The latter is achieved by means of the differential wavefront sensing (DWS) technique, which provides ultra-high precision for measuring angular displacements. We have developed a setup to obtain the spatially resolved response of QPDs that, together with an extension of the simulation software IfoCAD, allows us to use the measured response in simulations and accurately predict the desired longitudinal and DWS phase observables. Three different commercial off-the-shelf QPD candidates for space-based interferometry were characterized. The measured response of one QPD was used in optical simulations. Nonuniformities in the response of the device and crosstalk between segments do not introduce significant variations in the longitudinal and DWS measurands with respect to the standard case when a uniform QPD without crosstalk is used.
ISSN:1559-128X
2155-3165
DOI:10.1364/AO.55.006688