Equipment and systems for exploring the universe

The JWST focuses on infrared radiation, because radiation from cold and distant celestial bodies has a longer wavelength than visible light. An additional advantage is that infrared radiation is relatively good at penetrating cosmic dust clouds, enabling us to see what lies beyond them.

Measuring arms

LISA will have measuring arms 2.5 million kilometres long, enabling it to detect much longer wavelengths. The measuring arms are formed by laser beams between 3 satellites (see image). With these measuring arms, LISA will detect gravitational waves through minute changes in the distances between them.

TNO technology

The satellites are 2.5 million kilometres apart. They move continuously in relation to each other, within a margin of about 10,000 kilometres. This does not interfere with the measurements, but the laser beams have to be adjusted accordingly. We’re developing mechanisms that can focus with milli-arcsecond accuracy under extreme space conditions. This accuracy corresponds to pointing out a penny on the Eiffel Tower from the Netherlands.

Stability thanks to silicon carbide

The astrometric measurements of the Gaia satellite are accurate to 24 micro-arcseconds (at 15 magnitude). This is comparable to measuring the diameter of a human hair at a distance of 1,000 kilometres. The BAM OMA therefore needs to be very stable. To achieve this, the optical system is constructed of silicon carbide, which ensures ultra-high stability. The components were developed together with Eindhoven University of Technology and with support from the Netherlands Space Office.

The advantages of silicon carbide:

• high stiffness at low weight (high specific stiffness)
• high thermal conductivity
• low coefficient of thermal expansion
• good isotropy (behaviour is the same in all directions).