Flexure-based pointing mechanism with sub-microradian resolution for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
Henein, S.; Spanoudakis, P.; Schwab, P.; Kjelberg, I.; Giriens, L.; Dassa, L.
2010

Abstract

The Point Ahead Angle Mechanism (PAAM) for ESA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission will compensate the out-of-plane point-ahead angle between three satellites flying 5 million kilometres apart. The PAAM consists of a mirror supported by flexures allowing the mirror to rotate with a maximum stroke of ± 412 rad. The mirror is actuated in 0.14 μrad steps by two redundant linear Piezo LEGS® actuators driving a sine-bar. Since the actuators are self-locking, a special lever performing the role of a linear mechanical differential is used to provide redundancy. The angle is driven in closed loop using two capacitive sensors.

Details

Title Flexure-based pointing mechanism with sub-microradian resolution for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
Author(s) Henein, S. ; Spanoudakis, P. ; Schwab, P. ; Kjelberg, I. ; Giriens, L. ; Dassa, L.
Published in Procceding of 10th Euspen International Conference
Volume 1
Pages 84
Conference EUSPEN 2010, Delft, the Netherlands, May 31-June 4, 2010
Date 2010
Laboratories INSTANT-LAB
Record Appears in Scientific production and competences > STI - School of Engineering > IGM - Institute of Mechanical Engineering > INSTANT-LAB - Micromechanical and Horological Design Laboratory
Scientific production and competences > EPFL Partners > Neuchâtel Campus > INSTANT-LAB - Micromechanical and Horological Design Laboratory
Work outside EPFL
Conference Papers
Published
Record creation date 2013-06-13

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