Multistage position-stabilized vibration isolation system for neutron interferometry

Mohammed Arif, Dennis E. Brown, Geoffrey L. Greene, R. Clothier, K. Littrell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

A two stage, position stabilized vibration isolation system has been constructed and is now in operation at the Cold Neutron Research Facility of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. The system employs pneumatic isolators with a multiple input/multiple output pneumatic servo system based upon pulse width modulation control loops. The first stage consists of a 40,000 kg reinforced concrete table supported by pneumatic isolators. A large environmentally isolated laboratory enclosure rests on the concrete table. The second stage consists of a 3000 kg granite optical table located within the enclosure and supported by another set of pneumatic isolators. The position of the two stages is monitored by proximity sensors and inclinometers with 12 degrees of freedom. The system controls 12 independent pneumatic airsprings. The signals from these sensors are fed into a personal computer based control system. The control system has maintained the position of the two stages to better than 1 μm in translation and 5 μrad in orientation for a period of a few months. A description of the system and its characteristics is given.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
EditorsColin G. Gordon
Pages20-26
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 1994
Externally publishedYes
EventVibration Monitoring and Control - San Diego, CA, USA
Duration: Jul 28 1994Jul 29 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2264
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceVibration Monitoring and Control
CitySan Diego, CA, USA
Period07/28/9407/29/94

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