Blue Sky Spectroscopy Inc.

Published purpose

Lasers are frequently used to measure displacement. We have developed a novel frequency-modulated laser interferometer (SFM) capable of measuring up to 8 independent axes using a single laser/detector. The performance has been validated at cryogenic temperatures (4 K) and the concept adopted for the PRIMA mission concept under review by NASA. The accuracy of the SFM technique depends on knowledge of the central frequency of the laser about which it is modulated. The modulation frequency range required for our method is 100× greater than existing calibration methods, requiring a fundamentally new approach. The objectives are to implement a novel calibration strategy for the SFM technique and verify it against two lasers (HeNe, the gold standard, and a locked DFB) at levels of <1 ppm. Benefits to Canadians would be to leverage this work to secure a role in the NASA PRIMA mission. We have already received expressions of interest from the Composites Research Network which includes Tier 1 partner Boeing.