UKRI-2121 LISA Optical Bench Baseplate

Tender description

The LISA concept for directly detecting the oscillating strain in spacetime caused by gravitational waves shares the scheme used in all laser interferometer-based gravitational wave detectors: The passage of the wave is detected by measuring the time-varying changes of optical pathlength between test masses isolated from all forces other than gravitational waves. The project draws on experience gleaned from the LISA Pathfinder (LPF) mission, a pioneering mission to test the LISA concept and demonstrate key concepts and technologies. A key technology to the LISA mission is performing interferometry with hydroxide catalysis bonded optics and this was demonstrated on LPF. Lot 1: The optical bench will host the optical components that enable the LISA interferometers to function. Components will be mounted on both sides – as shown below – using a silicate bonding process proven on the LISA Pathfinder experiment. To ensure stability the Optical Bench Baseplate will be manufactured from Zerodur, acid etched to maximise strength and polished to allow the mounting process and to enable tight alignment tolerances to be met. The LISA Optical Bench will be produced at several model stages over a number of years, starting with a Structural Model and ending with Flight Models. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/9P5885Y52V