Johannes Zellner

Simulation and error budget for high precision interferometry

An accurate calculation of the error budget of individual interferometer components can only be based on a simulation of the total interferometric setup. We have shown that such a simulation can in fact make accurate predictions of the achievable measurement precision. Furthermore, a simulation allows calculating the maximal allowable drifts magnitudes. Using a simulation of the interferometric setup therefore allows for focusing on critical components and drifts on the one hand and for relaxing requirements for non-critical components and drifts on the other hand.