The Submillimeter Astrophysics group

The Minitature Cryogenic Scanning Fabry-Perot, MCSF, is Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI), which uses a novel PZT driving mechanism. This new PZT driving mechanism works similar to an "inchworm", but uses just two PZTs. We call it a PZT Clutch Driven (PCD) motor. The MCSF can be used in the FORCAST instrument on SOFIA, enabling to select any narrow wavelength band in the mid-IR regime between about 20 to 40 µm. For more information about the MCSF and the PCD motor please download this poster.

Below are some pictures from our latest test measurements:

 

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Figure 1 - PCD-motor mounted in a Fabry-Perot Interferometer (the former KWIC HOPFI).

 

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Figure 2 - Overview of the PCD-motor test setup.

 

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Figure 3 - Another view of the PCD-motor test setup.

 

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Figure 4 - Fringes from the interfering collimated HeNe laser beams that are reflected off the front and back metal meshes of the FPI.