Patent · US Active

Magnetic mirror air bearing for Michelson interferometer with lateral motion

US7705493B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
3References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 1, 2008
Grant dateApr 27, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 1, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH02K41/0356
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention claimed is a novel magnetic mirror air bearing for a Michelson interferometer with lateral motion. A precise kinematic mount is used in combination with magnetic fields wherein current can be applied on a centerline to move a piston and mirror laterally without pitch and yaw so as to effect accurate light beam reflection regardless of distance of lateral movement within a defined space. The assembly is able to operate across extended temperature ranges by utilizing materials which expand and contract at similar rates, and contains a thermalizing cavity which will thermalize the gas to avoid temperature induced artifacts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.