A fast steering mirror with ultra-low geometric tilt-to-length coupling noise for space-borne gravitational wave detection

Abstract

Abstract The misalignment between the geometric center and rotation center in fast steering mirrors (FSMs) poses a challenge for space-borne gravitational wave detection, as it results in geometric tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling noise. To address this issue, we have proposed a FSM structure that exhibits ultra-low geometric TTL coupling noise. The geometric TTL coupling noise is analyzed and evaluated strictly considering the FSM non-ideal tilt of the plane and the center shift characteristic of cartwheel flexure hinges under a small rotational angle. Compared to traditional FSM designs, our new design offers superior noise suppression capabilities and is capable of meeting the stringent piston effect noise requirements of 0.2  pm / Hz in the frequency band of 10 − 4  Hz ∼ 1 Hz under ideal conditions.